# About [*Cosmos*](https://cosmos.network/) *is a decentralized network of independent parallel blockchains, each powered by* [*Tendermint*](https://docs.tendermint.com/v0.34/introduction/quick-start.html)*'s* [*BFT*](/guides/cosmos-ecosystem/blockchain-basics/glossary-of-terms.md#bft-consensus-algorithm) *consensus algorithm.* Prior to Cosmos, blockchains operated independently with decentralized Apps (dApps) written as [smart contracts](/guides/cosmos-ecosystem/blockchain-basics/glossary-of-terms.md#smart-contracts) on top. However, thanks to the open source tools implemented by Cosmos, Tendermint, [Cosmos SDK](https://v1.cosmos.network/sdk), and [IBC](https://ibcprotocol.org/), blockchain developers are enabled to easily build high performing and secure blockchains that can scale and interoperate with others in the Cosmos ecosystem. Cosmos marries the spirit of collaboration to the innovation of blockchain. Developers within the Cosmos community are encouraged to improve existing tools and create new ones in order to fulfill the promise of blockchain technology. --- # Agent Instructions: 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: ``` GET https://guides.regen.network/guides/cosmos-ecosystem/cosmos-basics/about.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. 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.