What is Autonomi?
Autonomi is a decentralized peer-to-peer network for permanent, immutable data storage. Data is encrypted before upload, stored using content addressing, and paid for once when you write it to the network.
What makes Autonomi different
At a high level, Autonomi gives you:
immutable storage, where changing the content produces a new address instead of mutating the old one
client-side encryption through self-encryption before chunks are stored on the network
public and private retrieval through addresses and DataMaps
pay-once storage, where you pay in Autonomi Network Token (ANT) when you upload and downloads are free
post-quantum cryptography in the transport and security model
How you can build on Autonomi
You can work with Autonomi in four main ways.
SDK
Use the SDK when you want to build an application in Python, Node.js / TypeScript, Go, Rust, Java, C#, Kotlin, Swift, Ruby, PHP, Dart, Zig, or another supported language.
The SDK uses a local daemon called antd, which exposes REST and gRPC and keeps the network-facing work out of your application.
Start with Build with the SDKs.
MCP
Use the MCP server when you want an AI tool such as Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or another MCP-compatible client to interact with Autonomi through structured tools.
The MCP server also talks to antd, but it presents Autonomi through an AI-tool interface rather than through language bindings.
Start with Use MCP with AI Tools.
CLI
Use the CLI when you want direct shell access for uploads, downloads, wallet checks, chunk operations, or node-management workflows.
Start with Use the CLI.
Developing in Rust
Build directly in Rust when you want in-process control over networking, uploads, and downloads without using antd.
Start with Developing in Rust.
Build with an AI coding tool
If you are working in Claude Code or another AI coding tool, install the Autonomi Developer Skill. It gives your tool a verified, focused guide to building on Autonomi, so it picks the right path, uses real APIs, and avoids common mistakes.
Core concepts
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