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Nervos

Nervos

Nervos CKB is a modular, Bitcoin-isomorphic Layer 1 blockchain focused on security, decentralization, flexibility, and interoperability.

originBeijing, China
users100k-200k
launched2018
chains
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Audience
🛠️Infrastructure Developers
💸DeFi Developers
🏭Enterprise Blockchain Teams
websitexlinkedingithubdiscord

Overview

Nervos CKB (Common Knowledge Base) is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to provide a secure, decentralized, and flexible foundation for decentralized applications and Layer 2 scaling solutions. It is built on a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism and uses a UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) model similar to Bitcoin, making it Bitcoin-isomorphic. This design allows Nervos CKB to enhance Bitcoin's capabilities by adding programmability and scalability without relying on cross-chain bridges. The blockchain supports all cryptographic primitives, enabling seamless interoperability with heterogeneous blockchains, sidechains, state channels, and Layer 2 networks.

Nervos CKB's modular architecture separates security and scalability concerns. The base layer offers robust security and decentralization, while Layer 2 networks built on top provide high throughput and scalability, potentially reaching millions of transactions per second. Protocol-level account abstraction is supported by default, improving user experience for decentralized applications. Developers can build custom EVM-compatible sidechains using tools like Axon, or leverage the low-level virtual machine to create complex smart contracts without limitations.

The platform offers extensive developer resources, including SDKs in Rust, Go, Java, and TypeScript, CLI tools, debugging utilities, and comprehensive documentation. Nervos CKB also features a novel tokenomics model that aligns incentives across miners and network participants, ensuring long-term security and sustainability. The ecosystem includes wallets, mining tools, and a community fund DAO to support ongoing development. Developers can quickly start building by installing the OffCKB CLI and accessing tutorials for common tasks like token creation, data storage, and smart contract scripting.

The Problem

Many blockchains struggle to balance security, decentralization, and scalability simultaneously. Existing Bitcoin infrastructure lacks programmability and interoperability, limiting its use for modern decentralized applications. Additionally, cross-chain bridges introduce security risks and complexity.

Limited programmability on Bitcoin
Scalability bottlenecks on Layer 1 blockchains
Security risks from cross-chain bridges

The Solution

Key Features

Proof-of-Work Consensus

Ensures robust security and decentralization under all conditions.

UTXO Model

Provides a familiar and secure transaction model compatible with Bitcoin.

SDKs and Developer Tools

Includes SDKs in Rust, Go, Java, TypeScript, CLI tools, debuggers, and address utilities to streamline development.

Custom EVM-Compatible Sidechains

Enables developers to build scalable, Ethereum-compatible sidechains using Axon.

Key Strengths

Bitcoin-Isomorphic Design
Modular Architecture
Full Cryptographic Support
Protocol-Level Account Abstraction

How Developers Use Nervos

💰

Building Scalable DeFi Applications

Developers can leverage Nervos CKB's secure base layer and scalable Layer 2 sidechains to create decentralized finance platforms that require high throughput and strong security guarantees.

🔗

Interoperable Cross-Chain dApps

By supporting all cryptographic primitives and account abstraction, Nervos enables dApps that operate seamlessly across multiple heterogeneous blockchains without relying on bridges.

🛠️

Custom Blockchain Networks

Enterprises and developers can launch their own EVM-compatible sidechains on Nervos to meet specific performance or compliance needs while benefiting from the security of the base layer.

Works Well With
Bitcoin
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Ethereum
BNB Smart Chain
BNB Smart Chain
Polkadot
Polkadot

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Pricing

Free
Price (Monthly)Free
Price (Annual)Free
MessagingN/A
SupportCommunity support via Discord and GitHub
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Resources

Nervos provides extensive developer resources including comprehensive documentation, SDKs in multiple languages, CLI tools, debugging utilities, and tutorials. The ecosystem is supported by active community channels and a developer fund to encourage innovation.