Kwil is a distributed/decentralized relational database that can tolerate byzantine failures. Unlike other distributed databases that use non-BFT consensus algorithms (e.g. Raft or Paxos), Kwil uses the Tendermint consensus algorithm, which is byzantine fault tolerant. This means that each node in the network can be run by parties that do not trust each other, and no single actor can subvert the network.

The database itself is built on PostgreSQL, but it also boasts an extension system that allows you to build your own custom execution logic. This is useful for building custom logic such as access control rules.

Kwil is a framework for deploying your own byzantine fault tolerant blockchain network that manages data using a relational database. Each network uses CometBFT (successor of Tendermint core) for consensus, stores data in PostgreSQL, and offers a flexible extension system. By default, Kwil networks use a Proof of Authority consensus mechanism but can be adapted to use Proof of Stake. You can think of Kwil as a combination of the Cosmos SDK/Substrate and PostgreSQL, with the flexibility to add:

- Custom cryptographic signature schemes for chain transactions. This enables networks to support any number of different wallets easily (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos, NEAR, etc.).
- Custom consensus code to be run on the network. This can be as simple as a hash function or as complex as an EVM-compatible smart contract layer.
- Oracles that can be run by all validators. This allows validators to come to consensus on off-chain / other chain data, such as a wallet’s token balance, ENS names, or token prices from other chains.

Any project trying to build its own decentralized, trustless protocol is a good use for Kwil. This can be a centralized company trying to evolve into a decentralized protocol or an existing decentralized protocol trying to augment or launch new functionality. Examples include:

1. Fractal ID converting its centralized identity/KYC business into the decentralized identity protocol, the idOS Network.
2. Truflation converting its centralized inflation data business into a decentralized inflation and asset reference protocol, the Truflation Stream Network.
3. A decentralized social network that previously stored some assets on an existing blockchain but is looking to deploy its own network to strengthen its protocol capabilities and governance.
4. A Web3 platform that wants to engage its community and allow third parties to run nodes and participate in its platform.