Why You Should Care About the Decentralized Computing Movement

What if blockchains are just another operating system? This talk moves beyond hype to cover the real engineering problems in distributed systems and applied cryptography.

#1about 3 minutes

Viewing blockchain as another operating system for developers

Blockchain platforms are presented not as crypto hype but as distributed code execution environments with specific use cases.

#2about 2 minutes

Lowering the barrier to entry with familiar languages

To attract traditional software engineers, blockchain platforms are integrating established languages like Python and TypeScript for smart contract development.

#3about 4 minutes

Identifying the three core use cases for blockchain

Blockchain technology is most valuable for applications requiring a root of trust, peer-to-peer disintermediation, or self-sovereign digital ownership.

#4about 3 minutes

Reframing NFTs as a digital rights management mechanism

Beyond speculative art, NFTs provide a powerful mechanism for managing and proving digital ownership, such as for fractionalized assets or royalties.

#5about 3 minutes

How traditional finance is adopting blockchain technology

Financial institutions are using blockchain for regulated applications like issuing central bank-recognized digital currency and enabling fractional ownership of real estate.

#6about 2 minutes

Solving the usability challenges of private key management

The industry is moving beyond risky seed phrases by integrating familiar technologies like Face ID, Passkeys, and secure enclaves for account custody.

#7about 1 minute

Addressing energy concerns with proof-of-stake consensus

Modern blockchains have moved away from energy-intensive proof-of-work to efficient proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms that can run on low-power hardware.

#8about 4 minutes

Breaking down the cultural barriers to developer adoption

Overcoming slow developer adoption requires dropping exclusionary jargon like "Web3 vs Web2" and focusing on providing a familiar, approachable developer experience.

#9about 3 minutes

The role of foundations in ecosystem and community growth

Foundations like Algorand's focus on governance, developer tooling, and engaging with the broader software community outside of crypto-specific echo chambers.

#10about 2 minutes

Preparing for privacy and post-quantum cryptography

Future blockchain development is focused on critical challenges like implementing user privacy and transitioning to post-quantum cryptography to ensure long-term security.