> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cow.bleu.builders/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation

> How to install the CoW Protocol SDK and choose the right adapter for your Web3 library

# CoW Protocol SDK Installation Guide

## Quick Overview

The CoW Protocol SDK enables blockchain interaction through three adapter options. Installation involves the main package plus your chosen adapter framework.

## Core Installation

Install the primary package:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash npm theme={null}
  npm install @cowprotocol/cow-sdk
  ```

  ```bash yarn theme={null}
  yarn add @cowprotocol/cow-sdk
  ```

  ```bash pnpm theme={null}
  pnpm add @cowprotocol/cow-sdk
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## Adapter Selection

You must choose one of three adapters based on your Web3 library:

**Viem** - Modern, lightweight TypeScript library requiring viem 1.x+

**Ethers v6** - The current ethers.js version (recommended for ethers users)

**Ethers v5** - Legacy version; consider upgrading to v6 or using Viem

Each adapter installation differs slightly. For Viem, you'd run:

```bash theme={null}
npm install @cowprotocol/sdk-viem-adapter viem
```

## Essential Dependencies

The SDK requires `cross-fetch` (^3.x). Optional packages include `ipfs-only-hash`, `multiformats`, and `@openzeppelin/merkle-tree` for specialized features like app-data metadata and merkle operations.

## Environment Requirements

Node.js 16+ is mandatory. TypeScript support includes built-in type definitions with standard `tsconfig.json` settings (moduleResolution: "node", esModuleInterop: true).

## Framework Integration

React/Next.js users typically integrate via wagmi, while Node.js backends use direct Viem initialization with environment variables for sensitive credentials.

The current SDK version is **v7.4.1**, with migration guidance available for v6 upgrades.