The ATOM token is the native token of the Cosmos network and plays an important role in achieving blockchain interoperability and governance rights. Cosmos is a decentralized blockchain ecosystem designed to facilitate interconnectivity among multiple independent blockchains.
Cosmos also utilizes a blockchain message communication protocol called Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC), which enables cross-chain communication between different blockchains. The Cosmos SDK is a modular framework for building application-specific, interoperable blockchains, which further reduces the development cycle for third-party developers. It allows developers to port any existing blockchain code repository onto Golang, while Ethermint specifically targets the Ethereum network. All existing tools such as Truffle and Metamask are compatible with Ethermint, requiring no additional work for smart contract portability.
Cosmos was founded in 2014 by Jae Kwon and Ethan Buchman. Kwon is the founder of Tendermint and Buchman is the founder of the Cosmos SDK. In March 2022, the total locked-in value (TVL) of the Cosmos ecosystem exceeded $10 billion.
In 2024, the Cosmos (ATOM) ecosystem has made significant progress in enhancing blockchain interoperability and modularity. Key updates include the introduction of Interchain Security 2.0, which allows validators to flexibly choose which chains to support, increasing cost efficiency and security for the entire network. The Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol has also expanded its reach, facilitating over 52 million transfers worth $29 billion across more than 100 chains in the last 12 months. These developments, along with a focus on improving the developer experience and governance participation, position Cosmos as a leading player in the "Internet of Blockchains" vision.
Above are only for introduction, not intended as investment advice.
