Interoperability is a big keyword in the crypto space. Now, if we say “A,” we also need to say “B.” In this case, “B” is cross-chain. Cosmos fits right into this setup. Its ecosystem is a decentralized network. It contains plenty of standalone blockchains. They easily interact with each other.

On top of that, there are also bridges to non-Cosmos blockchains. The Tendermint consensus mechanism powers this ecosystem. So, let’s dive in and see what the Cosmos blockchain all is about.

Here is a short video that explains the Cosmos blockchain.

What Is Cosmos Blockchain?

The Cosmos blockchain is highly scalable. Furthermore, its ecosystem of blockchains is interoperable. As a result, Cosmos created the Internet of Blockchains. In other words, all blockchains on Cosmos can interact with each other in a decentralized way.

To achieve this, the Cosmos ecosystem uses open-source tools. This means that everybody can use the code and adjust it for their own purpose. On the other hand, you can also add new tools. 

For example, Tendermint, the Cosmos SDK, and IBC. The Cosmos SDK allows devs to build blockchains on Cosmos. SDK stands for “software development kit.” IBS is the Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol. This allows blockchains in the Cosmos ecosystem to talk to each other and trade assets. 

All combined, devs can make scalable and secure blockchains. They are also interoperable blockchains. Developers can also build custom dApps. 

It’s good to point out that Cosmos doesn’t see itself as an Ethereum killer. It has no plans to replace Ethereum. Cosmos’ technology is not designed for that purpose. On the other hand, the Cosmos ecosystem may host some blockchains that like to replace Ethereum. 

Both blockchains serve different use cases. As a result, they are not direct competitors.

How the Cosmos Blockchain Works

Cosmos is a network of independent blockchains. They are all interoperable. The Cosmos Hub is the main chain. All other blockchains are Zones. The Cosmos Hub is in the middle of it all. It transfers assets and data between the connected Zones. The Cosmos Hub also provides security to all other blockchains. 

What Is the Cosmos Blockchain IBC?

IBC connects the blockchains. To fit into the IBC, there are only a few requirements. As a result, Cosmos blockchains are heterogeneous. This means two things.

All these blockchains can have three different layers. For example, networking, consensus, and application parts. The most important requirement is that consensus needs to be fast.

All the blockchains are sovereign. This means that they all have their own validator set. They agree on adding blocks to the blockchain.

This means that blockchains with different validator sets can talk to each other. It transfers tokens and data. For instance, between public and private blockchains. No other network offers this kind of interoperability.

What Is Tendermint?

Tendermint is the PoS consensus mechanism for Cosmos. PoS stands for proof-of-stake. As the IBC showed, blockchains need three layers. Tendermint does this different. It packages two layers into a generic engine. These are the networking and consensus layers. This allows devs to concentrate dApp development. It literally saves hundreds of hours of time for developers.

Tendermint also uses the Byzantine fault tolerant (BFT). In other words, the system should remain intact, even if one or more nodes fail. It also lessens the impact of maliciously acting nodes.

As a result, we have a Tendermint BFT consensus mechanism. This also uses the Application Blockchain Interface (ABCI). This means that devs can use any programming language.

With Tendermint, blockchains are:

  • Public or private blockchain ready
  • Offer high performance
  • Give instant finality
  • Offer security

What Is the Cosmos Blockchain SDK?

The Cosmos blockchain SDK makes it easier to build secure dApps. Developers build these on top of Tendermint. It is built on two ideas.

  1. Modularity — The SDK is an ecosystem of modules. Devs save time because they don’t have to build and code each app from scratch. Any module available in the SDK, developers can use. Of course, they can customize the modules to their own needs. This network keeps expanding over time.
  2. Capabilities-based security — This gives devs the opportunity to build secure dApps.

Devs can build a new consensus mechanism and include the Cosmos SDK, as long as they install the ABCI.

What Is the Cosmos Blockchain Ecosystem?

The Cosmos ecosystem keeps growing. Currently, it stands at 49 zones, out of which 46 are active. It has 262 apps and services. See below the map of Zones. There is the Cosmos Hub as the spider in the middle of the web. It hosts some big and well-known names that built on Cosmos. This includes many DeFi projects. Let’s have a look.

  • Ankr Protocol — Offers liquid staking.
  • BNB — The Binance Chain and the Binance Smart Chain.
  • Band Protocol — A decentralized oracle.
  • Celer — Bridges.
  • Cosmons — Games.
  • Crypto.com — DEX.
  • Kava — DeFi lending and borrowing.
  • Oasis Protocol — A privacy-based blockchain.
  • Osmosis — Biggest DEX on Cosmos.
  • Secret Network — A privacy-based blockchain.
  • Thailand National Digital ID — DID platform.
  • THORChain — DEX.

Cosmos

Souce: Map of Zones

Who Created Cosmos Crypto?

In 2014, Jae Kwon and Ethan Buchman co-founded Cosmos. They launched Tendermint, and that became Cosmos. They also released the whitepaper. It took them until 2019 before they released the Cosmos blockchain.

  • Jae Kwon — Graduated from Cornell University in 2005 with a B.S. in Computer Science. Since 2013, active in the crypto space. Currently, also president of the Interchain Foundation. This is a non-profit organization. It promotes open-source software for Cosmos.
  • Ethan Buchman — He has a B.S. in Biophysics from the University of Guelph, Canada. Since 2014, active in the crypto space. He is Vice President of the Interchain Foundation. He is also CEO at Informal Systems. That’s Rust and formal verification for the Cosmos Network.

Conclusion

So, we had a look into the Cosmos blockchain and its ecosystem. It’s a unique setup that doesn’t feel the need to compete with Ethereum. They rather co-exist with Ethereum. We showed you what Tendermint, the Cosmos SDK, and IBC are.

The ecosystem was also worth exploring, together with the two co-founders. 

Cosmos Blockchain ATOM Price

The current ATOM price is $12.50, according to CoinGecko. The coin has a $3.6 billion market cap. There are 292 million coins circulating. However, there is an unlimited supply of ATOM. All major CEXes offer the ATOM token.

⬆️For more cryptocurrency news, check out the Altcoin Buzz YouTube channel.

⬆️ ALTCOIN BUZZ – BINANCE – GET UP TO $800* ON SIGN UP

Sign up using the links below on Binance Exchange and get the following benefits

  • Get a $100 instant bonus with a first-time deposit of $50 within 7 days,
  • Get a 20% trading fee discount for life!
  • Get $200 worth of 2 months of Altcoin Buzz Access PRO Membership (50+ Trading Signals, Hidden Gems) and unlock up to $500 more in prizes

Click on the following link (as per your location) to avail the benefits.
Binance Global
Binance US
For more details visit*: Binance Sign Up Offer Page. *Terms & Conditions Apply
Disclosure: Altcoin Buzz may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through our links and make a purchase from one of our partners.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.