---
id: chiavdf
version: "1.1.14"
license: Apache-2.0
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: active
---

# chiavdf — Chia vdf verification (wraps C++)

License: permissive · Maintenance: active · Downloads: 441.6K/mo

## What it is and what it does

chiavdf is a Python wrapper around a specialized C++ library for computing Verifiable Delay Functions—cryptographic primitives that prove a computation took a minimum amount of sequential time. It implements the NUDUPL algorithm with optimized GCD and squaring routines, designed to support Chia's Proof of Time consensus mechanism. The package provides a Python interface for VDF verification and optional command-line tools for timelord operation and CPU benchmarking.

The library targets blockchain infrastructure, particularly timelord nodes that validate proof-of-time submissions. It has no runtime Python dependencies and ships as precompiled wheels for modern Python versions across major platforms, making installation straightforward on supported systems. Building from source requires C++ tooling (cmake, boost, GMP/MPIR), but end users typically install the wheel distribution.

Use it for:

- Run a timelord node to validate and extend the blockchain by computing proofs of time.
- Benchmark CPU performance for VDF computation using vdf_bench to estimate iterations per second.
- Integrate VDF verification into blockchain clients or consensus validation logic.
- Develop or test applications that depend on time-based consensus layers.
- Verify correctness of VDF proofs in blockchain validation pipelines.

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Provides Python bindings to a high-performance C++ implementation of Verifiable Delay Functions (VDFs) for the Chia blockchain, enabling fast repeated squarings and proof generation.

Yes, if you are running Chia infrastructure (timelord, validator, or full node). The package is actively maintained, has no known vulnerabilities, carries a permissive license, and precompiled wheels eliminate build friction for standard Python versions. Not relevant for general-purpose Python development outside the Chia ecosystem.

## Install

pip install chiavdf
uv add chiavdf
poetry add chiavdf

## Installing chiavdf

Before you install: Medium install friction: precompiled wheels available for Python 3.9 and later on macOS, Linux, and Windows. No runtime dependencies. Last release 282 days ago; repository active with recent commits.

License in practice: Apache-2.0 permissive license allows commercial and private use with attribution and liability disclaimer. No restrictions on distribution or modification.

Quickstart:

pip install chiavdf

import chiavdf
# VDF operations available through C++ bindings

Requires Python ≥3.9. Building from source requires cmake, boost, and GMP/MPIR; precompiled wheels avoid this.

Verify before relying:

- Specific Python API surface and callable functions not detailed in the fact sheet excerpt.
- Performance characteristics (iterations per second, latency) beyond the vdf_bench tool mentioned.
- Integration requirements with Chia blockchain or timelord infrastructure.
- Whether vdf_client and vdf_bench are included in the pip-installed package or require separate builds.

## Package facts

- License: Apache-2.0 (permissive)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: medium
- Maintenance: active
- Downloads: 441.6K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

verifiable delay function, vdf proof generation, chia vdf verification, proof of time, timelord vdf client, fast vdf squaring, vdf benchmarking, blockchain, cryptography, proof-of-time

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