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Introduction to the Interchain

Enjoy an introduction to the main components of the Cosmos SDK.

From Tendermint to the modules, keepers, queries, and transactions in the interchain, a whole universe is waiting to be discovered.

As all blockchain ecosystems keep on growing and maturing, product stacks and terminologies evolve. Thus, please be aware that Cosmos is now known as the interchain. The terms "Cosmos", "interchain ecosystem", and "interchain" are synonymous with each other, and the various tools available to developers ("the stack") can be referred to collectively as the Interchain Stack.

However, blockchains created using the Cosmos SDK are typically referred to as "Cosmos chains".

# In this chapter

In this chapter, you will:

  • Explore how the interchain fits into the overall development of blockchain technology.
  • Begin to discover the interchain ecosystem.
  • Get an introduction to Tendermint and consensus in the Cosmos SDK.
  • Develop an understanding of the different components of the Cosmos SDK.
  • Learn about relaying with the Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol (IBC).
  • Discover how dApp developers can benefit from Interchain Security.

This week, make sure to submit the Exam Quiz once you feel ready to test your knowledge.

The quiz will be available until the Final Exam period closes on February 1st, 2024, but it is recommended to attempt it immediately after completing the Week 1 content.

# Next up

Want to get started with the main concepts of the Cosmos SDK? Go ahead and begin with a look at Blockchain Technology and the Interchain.

But before you dive in, ask yourself: what kind of a learner are you?

  • Do you like to learn the theory first, then build on that foundation? If that sounds like you, then we recommend you begin with the Week 1 content and continue through the program chronologically.
  • Do you like to get your hands dirty right away, then work back to fill in the conceptual gaps? If this is your modus operandi, then we suggest you start with the Week 2 material now, then go back to read through Week 1 before you continue.

Whichever way you decide to approach the program, we highly recommend that you complete both Week 1 and Week 2!

# Developer Resources

Cosmos SDK
Cosmos SDK
A framework to build application-specific blockchains

CometBFT
CometBFT
Blockchain consensus engine and application interface

Cosmos Hub
Cosmos Hub
First interconnected public blockchain in the Interchain network

IBC
IBC
Industry standard protocol for inter-blockchain communication