Back to our Developer Showcase Series to learn what developers in the real world are doing with Hyperledger technologies. Next up is Jim Sullivan of DC Web Makers.
What advice would you offer other technologists or developers interested in getting started working on blockchain?
Blockchain is the Internet of Value as opposed to today’s Internet of Information. Building blockchain applications is no different from any other application. Regard blockchain applications as transaction applications. Blockchain applications permanently record asset transfer and asset ownership.
Give a bit of background on what you’re working on, and let us know what was it that made you want to get into blockchain?
In my work as a software engineer, I have had the opportunity to see how blockchain can rewrite rules for everyday interactions. For example, in the not too distant future, we will use blockchain to manage cellular numbers. Cellular numbers are assets, and similar to any other asset, these numbers can be modeled on a blockchain. Blockchain will allow cellular, and all phone, numbers to be more easily and securely managed, and less subject to fraud.
What project in Hyperledger are you working on? Any new developments to share? Can you sum up your experience with Hyperledger?
We are building an application for a cross-border secure supply chain. The Hyperledger channels provide suppliers a path for interacting with the end customer, while ensuring that their data is only visible to the end customer. The channels ensure that no supplier’s data is visible to the other suppliers.
What are the main differences between developing blockchain applications in Hyperledger or Ethereum?
While working at DC Web Makers, I often have to follow a client’s requirements especially their blockchain platform choice for development. However, I personally enjoy writing codes for both Hyperledger and Ethereum platforms. My favorite Hyperledger framework is Hyperledger Fabric and my favorite Ethereum framework and tool are Remix and the Truffle Suite. There is no doubt about it.
What do you think is most important for Hyperledger to focus on in the next year?
The most important thing Hyperledger can focus on is increasing the number of transactions per second.
As Hyperledger’s incubated projects start maturing and hit 1.0s and beyond, what are the most interesting technologies, apps, or use cases coming out as a result from your perspective?
Hyperledger Transact is a really interesting product. We need methods for quickly creating distributed ledger technology (DLT) applications.
What’s the one issue or problem you hope blockchain can solve?
Blockchain is going to solve many problems. However, I am looking forward to seeing blockchain secure the supply chain. This will add to the quality of products and make products safer. This will enhance the quality of life for all people, everywhere.
Where do you hope to see Hyperledger and/or blockchain in 5 years?
We hope to see robust widely accepted Hyperledger DLT applications. We need to see the number of transactions per second increase to compete against other financial systems.
What is the best piece of developer advice you’ve ever received?
Use the Scrum process, or a variation, and demo work back to the customer.
What technology could you not live without?
The Internet.
