# FATE VM

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FATE (Fast Aeternity Transaction Engine) is æternity's custom-built virtual machine, designed specifically to execute Sophia smart contracts with enhanced security and efficiency. It uses high-level instructions that operate directly on the blockchain's state tree, enabling native integration with protocol features like oracles and state channels. FATE's functional approach, strong typing, and arithmetic safeguards prevent common smart contract vulnerabilities, while its efficient design results in smaller contract sizes and lower gas costs compared to traditional blockchain virtual machines.

The FATE documentation provides detailed specifications of FATE's architecture, including its instruction set, type system, and security features. You'll find technical explanations of how FATE integrates with the blockchain's state tree, handles contract execution, and implements its efficient computational model. The documentation also covers FATE's approach to gas calculation and resource management, essential for developers optimizing their smart contracts.


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