Cartesi

Cartesi is redefining the way dApps are built and scaled on blockchain networks. At its core, Cartesi introduces a powerful, modular framework that enables developers to build on-chain applications with access to a Linux environment, opening up compatibility with a vast universe of programming languages, toolchains, and legacy software systems. Its standout feature—the Cartesi Virtual Machine (CVM)—uses a RISC-V architecture to boot a full Linux OS, enabling the deployment of advanced logic that would be impractical or impossible with traditional smart contracts.

Through Cartesi Rollups, developers can launch app-specific optimistic rollups that scale computational resources vertically without sacrificing decentralization or security. These rollups are modular and customizable, allowing projects to tailor data availability, settlement layers, gas metering, and consensus configurations to suit their needs. Cartesi Rollups can function as Layer 2, Layer 3, or sovereign rollups, giving teams unprecedented flexibility over infrastructure design.

One of Cartesi’s major advantages lies in its scalability and performance. By offloading complex computations to its rollup layer while inheriting Ethereum’s base layer security, it allows dApps to achieve real-world throughput. Developers can implement sophisticated logic in familiar languages like C++, Python, or Rust—making it attractive for teams with traditional software backgrounds transitioning into Web3.

Cartesi’s approach supports cutting-edge applications across domains such as AI, DeFi, Gaming, and digital identity. Projects like ChainGPT, Bubblewars, RIVES, and DCA.Monstr demonstrate the diverse possibilities Cartesi unlocks. Compared to competitors like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync, Cartesi offers deeper programmability and computational power via its Linux-based environment.

The open-source nature of Cartesi fosters transparency and innovation through a global community of developers, researchers, and contributors. Its governance model encourages collaborative evolution of the protocol, with a focus on research-driven upgrades and real-world applicability. This positions Cartesi not just as a layer for building, but a platform for experimentation and high-performance decentralized computing.

Cartesi provides a robust set of features and advantages designed to overcome the traditional constraints of blockchain development:

• Linux-Powered Development: Build dApps using a full Linux operating system, unlocking access to decades of mature libraries, frameworks, and programming languages.
• App-Specific Rollups: Gain access to dedicated computational resources through Cartesi’s rollups, enabling performance-intensive applications like AI and gaming.
• True Developer Flexibility: Write smart contract logic in any mainstream language such as C++, Rust, or Python using familiar development tools.
• Modular Architecture: Customize the stack—consensus, data availability, and gas metering—to meet the specific needs of your application.
• Enhanced Scalability: Offload heavy computations to Cartesi Rollups while retaining the security and decentralization of Ethereum.
• Decentralized and Verifiable AI: Integrate complex models and machine learning workflows in a decentralized, transparent, and auditable way.
• Low and Predictable Fees: Run cost-effective operations thanks to dedicated execution environments with predictable gas and performance metrics.
• Support for Next-Gen Use Cases: Cartesi unlocks innovation across AI, DeFi, Gaming, and Web3 tooling, going far beyond the limits of EVM-compatible chains.

Getting started with Cartesi is simple. Whether you’re building your first dApp or transitioning from traditional software development, Cartesi offers multiple paths to dive in:

• Visit the Developer Hub: Start your journey by exploring the Developer Hub for documentation, tutorials, and best practices.
• Use the Quickstart Guide: Access a step-by-step setup to build and launch a dApp using Cartesi Rollups. Visit the Quickstart Guide.
• Explore Example Projects: Check out real-world dApps built on Cartesi, including ChainGPT, RIVES, Bubblewars, and Memebet, to get inspired and learn from existing architectures.
• Connect with the Community: Join the conversation and get technical support through the Cartesi Discord and Twitter.
• Apply for a Grant: Submit your dApp proposal and receive funding via the Cartesi Grant Program. Applications are open via the Cartesi Grants Page.
• Watch and Learn: Follow along with video content, dev talks, and use case breakdowns on the Cartesi YouTube channel.