# Specifications

This directory contains specifications for the modules of the Cosmos SDK as well as Interchain Standards (ICS) and other specifications.

SDK applications hold this state in a Merkle store. Updates to the store may be made during transactions and at the beginning and end of every block.

# SDK specifications:

• Store - The core Merkle store that holds the state.
• Bech32 - Address format for Cosmos SDK applications.

# Modules specifications:

• Auth - The structure and authentication of accounts and transactions.
• Bank - Sending tokens.
• Governance - Proposals and voting.
• Staking - Proof-of-stake bonding, delegation, etc.
• Slashing - Validator punishment mechanisms.
• Distribution - Fee distribution, and staking token provision distribution.
• Crisis - Halting the blockchain under certain circumstances.
• Mint - Staking token provision creation.
• Params - Globally available parameter store.
• IBC - Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol.

# Interchain standards

• ICS30 - Signed messages standard.

For details on the underlying blockchain and p2p protocols, see the Tendermint specification.