Previously known as the Cosmos Stack, the Interchain Stack is an evolution of Cosmos' foundational technologies, signifying a broader, more inclusive framework that builds upon the initial concepts of the Cosmos Network.
Cosmos's vision has always been to create a sovereign and interconnected ecosystem of blockchains, which it defines as the internet of blockchains.
Today, with 100+ blockchains connected through the IBC protocol, that vision is a reality, and the internet of blockchains takes the name of interchain.
While the Cosmos Stack's goal was to create an interoperable network of blockchains, the Interchain Stack's goal is to push these boundaries further.
It extends Cosmos' original vision adapting to its groundbreaking achievement: the interchain.
The Interchain Stack is an architecture for composable and modular open-source protocols, libraries, and tools designed for the interchain.
The Interchain Stack represents a holistic and dynamic framework that aims to adapt to the development needs of an interconnected ecosystem of blockchains while being the foundation of that ecosystem.
It is designed to empower developers to create and push the boundaries of the interchain, where information and value can flow freely and securely, paving the way for a new era of decentralized interconnected applications and services.
The Interchain Stack is a customizable design pattern, an architecture prioritizing interoperability, security, scale, and sovereignty.
The backbone of the Interchain Stack consists of IBC, Cosmos SDK, CometBFT, and CosmWasm.
Beyond the backbone, the evolution of the Cosmos Stack to the Interchain Stack implies the integration of additional tools, protocols, and frameworks designed to facilitate the development, deployment, and management of interoperable blockchains.
At present, CosmJS is the Interchain Stack's specialized component that extends and enhances its functionality beyond its foundational parts.
Each component of the Stack is Composable, Modular, and Open-source.
The term composable in the context of the Interchain Stack highlights the ability to mix and match different components of the stack to create customized blockchain solutions. It means that developers can leverage the stack's diverse protocols, libraries, and tools in various combinations to meet the specific needs of their projects, similar to assembling building blocks to construct a unique structure.
This composability ensures that developers are not locked into a one-size-fits-all approach but can tailor their blockchain applications to achieve optimal functionality and performance.
Composability is a property of the Interchain Stack, unlocking endless customization and meeting the creativity needs of developers.