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The Cosmos EVM module implements a complete Ethereum Virtual Machine as a Cosmos SDK module, providing an Ethereum-compatible interface to the underlying Cosmos consensus and infrastructure while enabling access to the broader Cosmos ecosystem.

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Platform Integration

The EVM module sits atop the Cosmos SDK platform, leveraging its modular architecture:
  • Consensus Layer: CometBFT provides Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus with instant finality
  • State Management: Cosmos SDK’s IAVL tree and KVStore handle state persistence
  • Account System: Unified account model supporting both Ethereum and Cosmos address formats
  • Module Ecosystem: Direct access to staking, governance, bank, and IBC modules through precompiles

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Ethereum Compatibility

The EVM module provides complete Ethereum compatibility, enabling all standard Ethereum tooling and workflows:
  • Smart Contracts: Full EVM bytecode execution with identical gas costs and opcode behavior
  • Transaction Types: Support for all Ethereum transaction formats including EIP-1559 and EIP-7702
  • JSON-RPC API: Complete Ethereum RPC implementation for seamless tool integration
  • Development Tools: Works with MetaMask, Hardhat, Foundry, Remix, and all Ethereum development frameworks

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Enhanced Features

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Cosmos SDK Benefits

  • Instant Finality: Transactions are final after one block (~2 seconds) with no reorganizations
  • Cross-Chain Integration: Native IBC support for interacting with other Cosmos chains
  • Modular Access: Smart contracts can directly interact with staking, governance, and other Cosmos modules
  • Enhanced Security: Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus with stake-based validator selection

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Key Differences from Standard Ethereum

  • Consensus: CometBFT instead of proof-of-stake, providing instant finality
  • State Storage: IAVL tree and Cosmos SDK KVStore instead of Merkle Patricia Tree
  • Fee Distribution: Base fees distributed to validators instead of burned
  • Cross-Chain: Native IBC integration for seamless interchain operations
  • Module Access: Smart contracts can directly call Cosmos SDK modules

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Developer Experience

Developers can build on Cosmos EVM using familiar Ethereum tools and patterns:
  • Standard Tooling: MetaMask, Hardhat, Foundry, Remix work without modification
  • Ethereum Libraries: Web3.js, Ethers.js, and other libraries work seamlessly
  • Smart Contracts: Deploy existing Ethereum contracts without changes
  • Enhanced Capabilities: Access Cosmos modules and IBC through precompiled contracts
For detailed technical implementation, see individual concept pages for transactions, accounts, gas and fees, and precompiles.