About Cosmos (ATOM)

Cosmos Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Cosmos and how does it address blockchain industry challenges?


Cosmos is a decentralized network of independent parallel blockchains, powered by BFT consensus algorithms like Tendermint. It aims to solve blockchain industry challenges such as scalability, usability, and interoperability. By providing an ecosystem of connected blockchains, Cosmos enables data and asset exchanges through the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, possessing the capacity to handle an increasing number of transactions and different blockchains, while maintaining sovereignty and facilitating developer-friendly application building.




Can you provide an overview of the Cosmos ecosystem and its components?


The Cosmos ecosystem is a decentralized network of independent, scalable, and interoperable blockchains, each powered by the Tendermint consensus algorithm. Key components include: 1) The Cosmos Hub, serving as the primary blockchain connecting other blockchains in the network; 2) Zones, which are individual blockchains that can have their own governance and are connected to the Cosmos Hub; 3) The Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, facilitating communication and value transfer between different chains; 4) The Cosmos SDK, a framework for building custom blockchains; and 5) ATOM, the native utility token of the Cosmos Hub, used for governance and transaction fees. Additional tools and services in the ecosystem support blockchain development, governance, and interoperability.




Who are the founders of Cosmos and what are their current roles in the project?


The founders of Cosmos are Jae Kwon and Ethan Buchman. Jae Kwon initially served as the CEO of Tendermint Inc., the core contributor to the Cosmos project, but later transitioned to an advisory role. Ethan Buchman holds the position of CEO at Informal Systems and remains actively involved in the Cosmos ecosystem, focusing on governance and sustainability of the network.




How does the consensus mechanism in Cosmos differ from proof-of-work protocols?


Cosmos uses a consensus mechanism called Tendermint, which is a proof-of-stake (PoS) based protocol. Unlike proof-of-work (PoW) protocols where miners compete to solve cryptographic puzzles to add new blocks to the blockchain, consuming vast amounts of computational power and energy, Tendermint relies on a set of validators. These validators are chosen based on the amount of the network's native token they hold and are willing to 'stake' as collateral. Validators participate in the consensus process to propose, vote on, and commit new blocks to the blockchain. This PoS approach is more energy-efficient and can provide faster transaction processing times compared to PoW protocols.




What are the unique features that make Cosmos stand out in the cryptocurrency space?


Cosmos distinguishes itself through its emphasis on interoperability, scalability, and customizability. With a unique consensus algorithm called Tendermint, Cosmos enables different blockchains to communicate and transfer assets via the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. It also offers tools for developers to build their own blockchains with customizable governance and application features, creating an Internet of Blockchains where each can operate independently but interact seamlessly.




What is that maximum supply of ATOM tokens, and how are they distributed?


The maximum supply of Cosmos (ATOM) tokens is characterized as inflationary, meaning it doesn't have a fixed upper limit like some other cryptocurrencies. The yearly inflation rate of ATOM varies between 7-20%, depending on the number of ATOM tokens that are staked. The initial supply was around 236 million ATOMs after the Cosmos Hub's genesis block. They are distributed through a hybrid proof-of-stake mechanism, block rewards, transaction fees, and community funding. Validators and delegators earn ATOM by securing the network, while a portion is also allocated for development and ecosystem growth.




What is Tendermint and how does it contribute to the Cosmos network?


Tendermint is a proof-of-stake blockchain consensus protocol and networking layer that facilitates the Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus in distributed systems. It contributes to the Cosmos network by providing a secure and consistent mechanism for various independent blockchains, referred to as 'zones,' to achieve consensus and interoperate within the Cosmos ecosystem. Tendermint's consensus algorithm allows for high performance, consistent finality, and the ability to withstand up to one-third of nodes failing or acting maliciously. This forms the foundation of the Cosmos Hub, the central blockchain in Cosmos network, facilitating token transfers and communications between different blockchains in the network.




How is the Cosmos network kept secure, and what role do validator nodes play?


The Cosmos network is kept secure through a consensus mechanism called Tendermint BFT (Byzantine Fault Tolerant), which involves a set of validators that are responsible for committing new blocks in the blockchain. Validator nodes maintain the network's integrity by validating transactions and participating in consensus. They are chosen based on the amount of ATOM, Cosmos's native token, staked to them. If they act maliciously or fail to perform their duties, their staked ATOM (as well as their delegators' ATOM) can be slashed. This incentivizes validators to remain honest and reliable to secure the network.




What are Cosmos Hub and Zones, and how do they function within the Cosmos network?


Cosmos Hub is the central blockchain in the Cosmos network, responsible for connecting various independent blockchains called Zones. Zones are individual blockchains that can have their own governance and are tailored for specific use cases. The Cosmos Hub and Zones communicate and transfer assets via the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, enabling interoperability and creating an Internet of Blockchains where information and tokens can be exchanged efficiently and securely.




How does the Tendermint Byzantine Fault Tolerance consensus algorithm work?


The Tendermint BFT consensus algorithm works by proposing blocks via a round-robin system among validator nodes. Each round has a designated proposer. Validators vote on proposed blocks in several stages: 'pre-vote', 'pre-commit', and commit. A block is committed if it receives more than two-thirds of validators' pre-commits, ensuring that even if some nodes act maliciously or fail, the network can still reach consensus as long as less than one-third of the nodes are Byzantine. This allows Tendermint to tolerate up to 1/3 faulty or malicious nodes while maintaining consistency and liveness.




What is the Cosmos software development kit and what advantages does it offer?


The Cosmos Software Development Kit (SDK) is an open-source framework for building blockchain applications in the Cosmos ecosystem. It provides developers with tools and modules to create customizable, secure, and interoperable blockchain networks with ease. The advantages include modularity, which allows developers to create blockchains by plugging in readily-available modules; a high degree of customization, enabling unique blockchain architectures; and interoperability between different blockchain networks, facilitated by the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. The SDK also promotes scalability and simplifies the process of building complex applications, reducing development time and cost.




What is the Interchain Accounts upgrade and how does it enhance the Cosmos ecosystem?


The Interchain Accounts upgrade introduces a protocol that allows accounts from one blockchain in the Cosmos ecosystem to operate on another chain seamlessly. This enhances the ecosystem by enabling cross-chain interactions, such as executing smart contracts, transferring tokens, or initiating transactions from one chain to another. It simplifies interoperability and provides users with a more integrated and unified experience across the different blockchains within the Cosmos network.