GOAT Network Execution Environment
GOAT Network is designed as a Type-1 zkEVM that stays close to Ethereum execution semantics while settling to Bitcoin. In the broader docs architecture, this page sits between builder ergonomics and the Bitcoin-secured settlement foundation.
Use Networks and RPC for chain configuration and Transaction Fees for the fee model.
Core Characteristics
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| EVM compatibility | GOAT Network provides Ethereum-equivalent execution semantics, so existing Solidity contracts and tooling can be reused with minimal changes. |
| Native gas token | BTC is the native token used for gas and transfers. |
| Proof system | Ziren is the zkVM layer used for proof generation in the broader GOAT Network stack. |
| Settlement anchor | State commitments and finality ultimately tie back to Bitcoin. |
Differences from Ethereum
| Area | Ethereum | GOAT Network |
|---|---|---|
| Finality source | Ethereum consensus | Bitcoin publication and confirmation |
| Native asset | ETH | BTC |
| Blob fees | EIP-4844 blob fees can apply | Blob fees are not part of the current GOAT Network fee model |
| Settlement timing | Finality is native to Ethereum | Fast L2 confirmation arrives first, Bitcoin finality arrives later |
Developer Implications
- Existing Ethereum tooling such as Solidity, Hardhat, Foundry, and ethers can be reused.
- Applications should distinguish between fast GOAT Network confirmation and final Bitcoin-backed completion.
- Gas budgeting should use BTC-denominated fee expectations instead of ETH-denominated assumptions.
Ziren in the Stack
Ziren is the zkVM proving system used in the GOAT Network execution pipeline. It connects execution outputs to the bridge verification flow without requiring Bitcoin to execute the full computation directly.