> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gitbook.jur.io/wiki-network-state/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gitbook.jur.io/wiki-network-state/dictionary/blockchain/cosmos.md). # Cosmos Cosmos is a blockchain and cryptocurrency (ATOM) for creating an ecosystem of interoperable blockchains. The team aims to "create an Internet of Blockchains, a network of blockchains able to communicate with each other in a decentralized way." Cosmos is similar to Polkadot in its mission but they each take a different approach to transaction validation and token transfer. Cosmos has a proof of stake system in which the top 100 highest stakers validate the transactions in their “hub”. Blockchains created with Cosmos (zones) can have their own different validation system. In Polkadot, parachains are like zones, but they can’t choose their own validators - they all rely on the validators of the Polkadot Relay chain, offering unified security at the expense of less flexibility. When there is a transaction across blockchains, [Cosmos](https://cointelegraph.com/blockchain-for-beginners/what-is-cosmos-a-beginners-guide-to-the-internet-of-blockchains) uses the Inter Blockchain Communication Protocol and the Cosmos Hub to record transactions in three places, the two chains and the central hub. Polkadot uses the Relay Chain to execute smart contracts to move the tokens. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://gitbook.jur.io/wiki-network-state/dictionary/blockchain/cosmos.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.