Developing Blockchain Interoperability Solutions with Cosmos and Polkadot

Karolina

02 Jun 2023
Developing Blockchain Interoperability Solutions with Cosmos and Polkadot

The development of blockchain interoperability solutions has taken center stage in the ongoing advancement of decentralized technologies. The limitations imposed by isolated blockchain networks have heightened the importance of interoperable systems, paving the way for increased collaboration and innovation. In this article, we delve into the creation of such solutions using Cosmos and Polkadot. With their distinctive approaches to achieving blockchain interoperability, these platforms facilitate smooth communication and information transfer among diverse chains. Harnessing the power of Cosmos and Polkadot presents an array of opportunities for businesses and developers within the decentralized domain.

Understanding Blockchain Interoperability Solutions:

The term "blockchain interoperability" denotes the capacity of various blockchain networks to interact and exchange data effortlessly. Conventional blockchain configurations operate in a standalone manner, leading to isolated ecosystems that impede cooperation and restrict innovative potential.

By instituting a framework that enables differing blockchains to communicate with one another, blockchain interoperability solutions seek to surmount these constraints. These solutions augment the effectiveness, expandability, and utility of decentralized applications by allowing data and asset exchanges between chains.

The absence of interoperability presents considerable obstacles for organizations and developers. Enclosed networks obstruct information flow, impede cross-chain transactions, and constrict the generation of substantial decentralized applications. Blockchain interoperability solutions tackle these issues by setting up standards, protocols, and infrastructure that support communication among diverse blockchain networks.

Multiple advantages arise from implementing blockchain interoperability solutions, such as heightened flexibility, superior scalability, augmented liquidity, and diversified use cases. These solutions pave the way for cooperative opportunities, enable smooth asset transitions between chains, and encourage the growth of harmonious decentralized ecosystems.

Cosmos and Polkadot: Pioneers in Blockchain Interoperability

Blockchain technology has been hailed as revolutionary, offering transformative potential across a multitude of industries. But as with any disruptive technology, achieving its full potential requires overcoming certain technical obstacles, chief among them being the issue of interoperability. This is where Cosmos and Polkadot come into the picture, as they are leading pioneers in promoting blockchain interoperability.

The Internet of Blockchains - Cosmos

Cosmos, often referred to as the "Internet of Blockchains", is a decentralized network of independent parallel blockchains, each powered by classical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) consensus algorithms like Tendermint.

It was designed from the ground up to solve the "hard" problems of the blockchain ecosystem, and interoperability stands at the forefront of these issues. To enable the seamless transfer of data and assets across different blockchains, Cosmos developed the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. This protocol allows various blockchains in the Cosmos network, known as zones, to communicate with each other, thereby fostering an ecosystem of interoperability.

Polkadot: Enabling a Multichain Universe

Polkadot, on the other hand, is another innovative platform that is built to connect private and consortium chains, public and permissionless networks, oracles, and future technologies that are yet to be created in the Web3 ecosystem.

At the heart of Polkadot's interoperability solution is its multichain technology. This technology is underpinned by Substrate, a blockchain development framework, and it employs a number of unique components such as Parachains and the Cross-Chain Message Passing (XCMP) protocol. Polkadot's structure allows for multiple blockchains to interoperate while maintaining their own unique consensus algorithms and governance models.

In essence, both Cosmos and Polkadot are at the forefront of blockchain interoperability. They offer unique solutions to allow for seamless communication and transfer of data and assets across different blockchain networks. Developers interested in building cross-chain applications would do well to understand the strengths and capabilities of these pioneering platforms.

Developing Blockchain Interoperability Solutions: A Comparative Analysis

When it comes to developing interoperable blockchain solutions, both Cosmos and Polkadot are often the platforms of choice. While they share the common goal of connecting disparate blockchain networks, their approach, underlying technology, and features differ significantly. A comparative analysis of these two platforms can offer valuable insights for developers looking to leverage their capabilities for cross-chain applications.

Similarities between Cosmos and Polkadot

Despite their differences, Cosmos and Polkadot share several similarities in their approach to blockchain interoperability:

  • Shared Vision: Both platforms aim to create an internet of blockchains that can communicate and interact seamlessly with each other.
  • Security: Both Cosmos and Polkadot place a high priority on security, leveraging innovative consensus mechanisms and cryptography to ensure the security and integrity of transactions across blockchains.
  • Scalability: Both platforms are designed to address the scalability issues plaguing traditional blockchains. They achieve this by allowing multiple blockchains to operate concurrently, sharing the workload and improving the overall throughput of the network.
  • Governance: Both platforms have inbuilt governance mechanisms that enable network participants to propose and vote on changes to the network, fostering a democratic and decentralized ecosystem.

Differences between Cosmos and Polkadot

While they share similar goals, there are key differences in the design philosophy and architecture of Cosmos and Polkadot:

  1. Consensus Mechanisms. Both platforms use a form of Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) for consensus, Cosmos uses Tendermint BFT. Polkadot uses a hybrid consensus mechanism combining elements of BFT and Proof-of-Stake (PoS).
  2. Communication Protocol. Cosmos uses the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol to facilitate communication between different blockchains. Polkadot, on the other hand, uses the Cross-Chain Message Passing (XCMP) protocol for inter-blockchain communication.
  3. Network Structure. Cosmos operates as a network of independent blockchains called zones, each powered by Tendermint BFT. Polkadot’s multichain network consists of a main relay chain and multiple parachains, each operating potentially different consensus mechanisms.
  4. Security Model. In Cosmos, each blockchain is responsible for its own security. Polkadot, however, follows a shared security model. The security of all parachains is pooled and maintained by the validators of the relay chain.

Understanding these similarities and differences can guide developers in choosing the right platform based on their specific requirements and objectives for interoperability. Both Cosmos and Polkadot offer powerful tools and frameworks for creating interoperable blockchain solutions, and the choice between them will often depend on the specifics of the use case at hand.

Practical Applications: Blockchain Interoperability Solutions in Action

Use Cases of Cosmos

Cosmos is a highly popular choice for developing decentralized applications (dApps) due to its scalability, modularity, and interoperability. Its architecture is designed to facilitate seamless cross-chain communication, making it ideal for a range of applications:

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): Cosmos is well-suited for building decentralized exchanges to support trading across multiple blockchains. The Gravity DEX, for instance, is a DEX built on the Cosmos network that allows users to trade tokens across different blockchains​1​.

Gaming: The scalability and modularity of the Cosmos network make it an ideal platform for blockchain-based games that require high performance and interoperability. ChainGuardian, a game built on the Cosmos network, allows players to battle each other using different characters and weapons​1​.

Cross-Chain Payments: The Cosmos network’s interoperability can facilitate cross-chain payments, allowing users to send and receive payments across different blockchain networks. This functionality reduces friction and increases efficiency in cross-border payments​1​.

Use Cases of Polkadot

Polkadot, on the other hand, offers developers a shared platform to create decentralized applications. It employs a combination of parachains, Proof of Stake protocols, and Virtual Machine-based technologies to address the scalability issues faced by other blockchains like Ethereum. Here are some of its notable use cases:

Interoperability Through Parachains: Polkadot's parachains enable other projects to build their networks and applications on Polkadot, allowing all these networks to interact with each other without the need for additional coding. Parachains are more customizable and give developers more flexibility than competitors like Ethereum. They are connected to the overall Polkadot infrastructure via a 'Relay Chain,' ensuring cross-chain interoperability through a set of robust governance protocols​2​.

Use in DeFi Platforms: Polkadot's parachains are also being used by decentralized finance platforms like Acala. Acala, the first parachain slot winner, acts as a liquidity pool from which Polkadot finances further projects within the network. This financing method is a crucial first step for Polkadot, as it creates launch momentum for even more projects​2​.

Connecting to Ethereum: Polkadot also enables seamless cross-chain operability with Ethereum, as evidenced by the second parachain slot winner, Moonbeam. Moonbeam acts as a bridge for Ethereum developers to extend the use of Ethereum Solidity code, Ethereum Virtual Machine, and its various other tools over to Polkadot. This integration expands the scope of Polkadot's cross-chain ambitions and provides a new level of connectivity between the two blockchains​2​.

Conclusion

The advancement of decentralized technologies is significantly supported by blockchain interoperability solutions, such as those provided by Cosmos and Polkadot. Known as the "Internet of Blockchains," Cosmos employs the IBC protocol to facilitate smooth communication between parallel blockchains. On the other hand, Polkadot utilizes its multichain technology, including parachains and XCMP protocol, to establish connectivity while preserving unique consensus and governance models.

Interoperability solutions have numerous advantages like flexibility, scalability, liquidity, and a wide range of use cases. Both Cosmos and Polkadot serve distinctive requirements; hence it is essential for developers to comprehend their differences.

Practical implementations encompass decentralized exchanges, gaming, and cross-chain payments provided by Cosmos, while Polkadot offers parachains, DeFi platforms, and Ethereum integration. Through embracing blockchain interoperability solutions like Cosmos and Polkadot, businesses and developers have the opportunity to foster collaborative innovation and construct powerful decentralized applications that will shape the future of decentralization.

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AI in Real Estate: How Does It Support the Housing Market?

Miłosz Mach

18 Mar 2025
AI in Real Estate: How Does It Support the Housing Market?

The digital transformation is reshaping numerous sectors of the economy, and real estate is no exception. By 2025, AI will no longer be a mere gadget but a powerful tool that facilitates customer interactions, streamlines decision-making processes, and optimizes sales operations. Simultaneously, blockchain technology ensures security, transparency, and scalability in transactions. With this article, we launch a series of publications exploring AI in business, focusing today on the application of artificial intelligence within the real estate industry.

AI vs. Tradition: Key Implementations of AI in Real Estate

Designing, selling, and managing properties—traditional methods are increasingly giving way to data-driven decision-making.

Breakthroughs in Customer Service

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are revolutionizing how companies interact with their customers. These tools handle hundreds of inquiries simultaneously, personalize offers, and guide clients through the purchasing process. Implementing AI agents can lead to higher-quality leads for developers and automate responses to most standard customer queries. However, technical challenges in deploying such systems include:

  • Integration with existing real estate databases: Chatbots must have access to up-to-date listings, prices, and availability.
  • Personalization of communication: Systems must adapt their interactions to individual customer needs.
  • Management of industry-specific knowledge: Chatbots require specialized expertise about local real estate markets.

Advanced Data Analysis

Cognitive AI systems utilize deep learning to analyze complex relationships within the real estate market, such as macroeconomic trends, local zoning plans, and user behavior on social media platforms. Deploying such solutions necessitates:

  • Collecting high-quality historical data.
  • Building infrastructure for real-time data processing.
  • Developing appropriate machine learning models.
  • Continuously monitoring and updating models based on new data.

Intelligent Design

Generative artificial intelligence is revolutionizing architectural design. These advanced algorithms can produce dozens of building design variants that account for site constraints, legal requirements, energy efficiency considerations, and aesthetic preferences.

Optimizing Building Energy Efficiency

Smart building management systems (BMS) leverage AI to optimize energy consumption while maintaining resident comfort. Reinforcement learning algorithms analyze data from temperature, humidity, and air quality sensors to adjust heating, cooling, and ventilation parameters effectively.

Integration of AI with Blockchain in Real Estate

The convergence of AI with blockchain technology opens up new possibilities for the real estate sector. Blockchain is a distributed database where information is stored in immutable "blocks." It ensures transaction security and data transparency while AI analyzes these data points to derive actionable insights. In practice, this means that ownership histories, all transactions, and property modifications are recorded in an unalterable format, with AI aiding in interpreting these records and informing decision-making processes.

AI has the potential to bring significant value to the real estate sector—estimated between $110 billion and $180 billion by experts at McKinsey & Company.

Key development directions over the coming years include:

  • Autonomous negotiation systems: AI agents equipped with game theory strategies capable of conducting complex negotiations.
  • AI in urban planning: Algorithms designed to plan city development and optimize spatial allocation.
  • Property tokenization: Leveraging blockchain technology to divide properties into digital tokens that enable fractional investment opportunities.

Conclusion

For companies today, the question is no longer "if" but "how" to implement AI to maximize benefits and enhance competitiveness. A strategic approach begins with identifying specific business challenges followed by selecting appropriate technologies.

What values could AI potentially bring to your organization?
  • Reduction of operational costs through automation
  • Enhanced customer experience and shorter transaction times
  • Increased accuracy in forecasts and valuations, minimizing business risks
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Want to implement AI in your real estate business?

Nextrope specializes in implementing AI and blockchain solutions tailored to specific business needs. Our expertise allows us to:

  • Create intelligent chatbots that serve customers 24/7
  • Implement analytical systems for property valuation
  • Build secure blockchain solutions for real estate transactions
Schedule a free consultation

Or check out other articles from the "AI in Business" series

AI-Driven Frontend Automation: Elevating Developer Productivity to New Heights

Gracjan Prusik

11 Mar 2025
AI-Driven Frontend Automation: Elevating Developer Productivity to New Heights

AI Revolution in the Frontend Developer's Workshop

In today's world, programming without AI support means giving up a powerful tool that radically increases a developer's productivity and efficiency. For the modern developer, AI in frontend automation is not just a curiosity, but a key tool that enhances productivity. From automatically generating components, to refactoring, and testing – AI tools are fundamentally changing our daily work, allowing us to focus on the creative aspects of programming instead of the tedious task of writing repetitive code. In this article, I will show how these tools are most commonly used to work faster, smarter, and with greater satisfaction.

This post kicks off a series dedicated to the use of AI in frontend automation, where we will analyze and discuss specific tools, techniques, and practical use cases of AI that help developers in their everyday tasks.

AI in Frontend Automation – How It Helps with Code Refactoring

One of the most common uses of AI is improving code quality and finding errors. These tools can analyze code and suggest optimizations. As a result, we will be able to write code much faster and significantly reduce the risk of human error.

How AI Saves Us from Frustrating Bugs

Imagine this situation: you spend hours debugging an application, not understanding why data isn't being fetched. Everything seems correct, the syntax is fine, yet something isn't working. Often, the problem lies in small details that are hard to catch when reviewing the code.

Let’s take a look at an example:

function fetchData() {
    fetch("htts://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts")
      .then((response) => response.json())
      .then((data) => console.log(data))
      .catch((error) => console.error(error));
}

At first glance, the code looks correct. However, upon running it, no data is retrieved. Why? There’s a typo in the URL – "htts" instead of "https." This is a classic example of an error that could cost a developer hours of frustrating debugging.

When we ask AI to refactor this code, not only will we receive a more readable version using newer patterns (async/await), but also – and most importantly – AI will automatically detect and fix the typo in the URL:

async function fetchPosts() {
    try {
      const response = await fetch(
        "https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts"
      );
      const data = await response.json();
      console.log(data);
    } catch (error) {
      console.error(error);
    }
}

How AI in Frontend Automation Speeds Up UI Creation

One of the most obvious applications of AI in frontend development is generating UI components. Tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, or Claude can generate component code based on a short description or an image provided to them.

With these tools, we can create complex user interfaces in just a few seconds. Generating a complete, functional UI component often takes less than a minute. Furthermore, the generated code is typically error-free, includes appropriate animations, and is fully responsive, adapting to different screen sizes. It is important to describe exactly what we expect.

Here’s a view generated by Claude after entering the request: “Based on the loaded data, display posts. The page should be responsive. The main colors are: #CCFF89, #151515, and #E4E4E4.”

Generated posts view

AI in Code Analysis and Understanding

AI can analyze existing code and help understand it, which is particularly useful in large, complex projects or code written by someone else.

Example: Generating a summary of a function's behavior

Let’s assume we have a function for processing user data, the workings of which we don’t understand at first glance. AI can analyze the code and generate a readable explanation:

function processUserData(users) {
  return users
    .filter(user => user.isActive) // Checks the `isActive` value for each user and keeps only the objects where `isActive` is true
    .map(user => ({ 
      id: user.id, // Retrieves the `id` value from each user object
      name: `${user.firstName} ${user.lastName}`, // Creates a new string by combining `firstName` and `lastName`
      email: user.email.toLowerCase(), // Converts the email address to lowercase
    }));
}

In this case, AI not only summarizes the code's functionality but also breaks down individual operations into easier-to-understand segments.

AI in Frontend Automation – Translations and Error Detection

Every frontend developer knows that programming isn’t just about creatively building interfaces—it also involves many repetitive, tedious tasks. One of these is implementing translations for multilingual applications (i18n). Adding translations for each key in JSON files and then verifying them can be time-consuming and error-prone.

However, AI can significantly speed up this process. Using ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or Claude allows for automatic generation of translations for the user interface, as well as detecting linguistic and stylistic errors.

Example:

We have a translation file in JSON format:

{
  "welcome_message": "Welcome to our application!",
  "logout_button": "Log out",
  "error_message": "Something went wrong. Please try again later."
}

AI can automatically generate its Polish version:

{
  "welcome_message": "Witaj w naszej aplikacji!",
  "logout_button": "Wyloguj się",
  "error_message": "Coś poszło nie tak. Spróbuj ponownie później."
}

Moreover, AI can detect spelling errors or inconsistencies in translations. For example, if one part of the application uses "Log out" and another says "Exit," AI can suggest unifying the terminology.

This type of automation not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of human errors. And this is just one example – AI also assists in generating documentation, writing tests, and optimizing performance, which we will discuss in upcoming articles.

Summary

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way frontend developers work daily. From generating components and refactoring code to detecting errors, automating testing, and documentation—AI significantly accelerates and streamlines the development process. Without these tools, we would lose a lot of valuable time, which we certainly want to avoid.

In the next parts of this series, we will cover topics such as:

Stay tuned to keep up with the latest insights!