Build high-performance blockchains with Cosmos SDK A modular, open-source framework for building secure, sovereign Layer 1 chains. Used by 200+ production blockchains with native interoperability through IBC.
Quick start Get up and running with Cosmos SDK in minutes
Install Go and dependencies
Cosmos SDK requires Go 1.21 or later. Install Go and set up your development environment. # Install Go 1.21+ go version # Verify installation go version
Clone and explore simapp
The SDK includes a reference application called simapp that demonstrates a complete blockchain implementation. git clone https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk cd cosmos-sdk/simapp go mod download
Initialize and start a chain
Initialize the chain configuration and start the blockchain node. # Initialize chain simd init mynode --chain-id my-test-chain # Add a key simd keys add mykey # Add genesis account simd genesis add-genesis-account mykey 100000000stake # Create genesis transaction simd genesis gentx mykey 1000000stake --chain-id my-test-chain # Collect genesis transactions simd genesis collect-gentxs # Start the node simd start
Your node will start producing blocks and you’ll see output similar to: 8:37PM INF starting node with ABCI CometBFT in-process 8:37PM INF service start impl=multiAppConn module=proxy 8:37PM INF service start impl=Node module=server 8:37PM INF starting P2P client module=p2p
Query the chain
Use the CLI to interact with your running blockchain. # Check account balance simd query bank balances $( simd keys show mykey -a ) # Send tokens simd tx bank send mykey < recipient-addres s > 1000stake --chain-id my-test-chain
Key features Everything you need to build production-ready blockchains
Modular architecture Composable modules for auth, staking, governance, and more. Build custom modules or use battle-tested SDK modules.
Proof-of-Stake consensus Built-in integration with CometBFT for fast, secure Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus with up to 10,000+ TPS.
IBC protocol Native interoperability with 200+ chains through the Inter-Blockchain Communication protocol.
Advanced state management Efficient state storage with IAVL trees, supporting proofs and historical queries.
Governance system On-chain governance for protocol upgrades, parameter changes, and community coordination.
Upgrade coordination Safe, coordinated software upgrades without hard forks or chain halts.
Explore documentation Dive deep into architecture, modules, and APIs
Architecture Understand BaseApp, modules, transactions, and the state machine architecture
Modules Explore essential, supplementary, and enterprise modules for building chains
Building chains Learn how to create, configure, test, and deploy your blockchain application
API reference Complete API documentation for core types, client interfaces, and module patterns
Community & support Join the Cosmos developer community
Discord Join our Discord server for real-time discussions and support
GitHub Explore the source code, report issues, and contribute to the SDK
Forum Participate in long-form discussions and governance proposals
Ready to build your blockchain? Start building with Cosmos SDK today and join 200+ production blockchains in the interchain ecosystem
Start Building 