Dev-Talks #1 Lorimer Jenkins: Web3 Storage & OAuth

Welcome to Dev-Talks, where HaCKBee (Discord link) hosts interviews and discussions with blockchain developers, tech enthusiasts, and experts. Uncover the latest in blockchain technology, innovation, and tech trends through engaging conversations.

In this talk with Lorimer Jenkins, we explore the future of web3 storage and authentication. Below, find a summarized version of the key highlights from the conversation and some of the links mentioned in the talk.

Lorimer Jenkins' Crypto Journey

Now a protocol engineer at Community Labs and founder of Othent, Lorimer Jenkins embarked on his crypto journey in 2014, influenced by his Bitcoin enthusiast father. Originally on a path toward musical theater, he transitioned to a crypto internship at a VC firm and later delved into projects like Protocol Land and Oasis. His entry into Arweave during the last bull run was facilitated by Tate Berenbaum, CEO of Community Labs, leading to a shift from Polkadot to Arweave.

Arweave & IPFS: Unveil Distinctions and Cost Dynamics

• Difference in Storage Models:

  Arweave stores data permanently, while IPFS relies on Filecoin, where storage is paid for a certain duration.

• Arweave's Compatibility with Smart Contracts:

  Initially built for data storage, Arweave now accommodates smart contracts, facilitated by designated resolution environments (DREs).

• Scaling and Cost Dynamics of Arweave:

  • Arweave's cost-effectiveness is due to its scalability, the absence of individual nodes hosting the entire network, and the wider block wave with more nodes.

  • Arweave does not require nodes to host contracts, as contract finality is handled in the arrays. Arweave's block wave widens with the addition of more nodes, allowing for scalability.

  • Arweave's approach provides a unique balance between scalable storage and cost efficiency. Challenges the notion that cheap storage is solely due to fewer machines hosting data.

Authentication Journey: Onboard with Google Login to Secure Decentralization

• Flexible Onboarding:

  Introduces social logins (Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and OAuth for user-friendly onboarding.

• Security and Accessibility:

  Proposes a smart contract and JWT-based solution for a secure, gradual shift to decentralization.

• Othent Provider and OAuth Integration:

  Uses Othent as a provider, incorporating OAuth for varied login options.

• Custom Claims in JWT:

  • Adds custom claims to JWT, encoding chain interactions for secure transactions.

  • Deploys unique smart contracts for users with an initially empty state.

  • Verifies JWT using the OAuth provider's public key before allowing contract interaction.

Progressive Decentralization: Balance Familiarity with Security

• Concerns about Google's Role:

  Raises the potential risk of Google misusing user credentials.

• Decentralization Journey:

  • Acknowledges the crypto community's ongoing transition from centralized exchanges to decentralized solutions.

  • Flexible onboarding allows users to start with familiar platforms like Google for quick entry, and enables a later transition to more secure private keys.

• Seamless Authentication Transition:

  • Project offers flexibility to replace Google credentials with private keys.

  • Ensures a smooth switch to private key authentication, reducing the impact of potential misuse by Google.

• Comparisons with Centralized Technologies:

  Highlights challenges in achieving full decentralization and the need for centralized components in certain contexts.

• Progressive Decentralization Approach:

  Advocates for a gradual shift from centralized to decentralized technologies, aligning with the concept of progressive decentralization in the crypto space.

Innovative Progression in Decentralized Authentication: Othent KMS

• Innovation in Authentication:

  Othent is developing Othent KMS to overcome limitations in smart contract wallets for decentralized authentication.

• Streamlined Transition:

  • Othent KMS facilitates a smooth transition from centralized to decentralized authentication, allowing logins with traditional web two accounts.

  • Currently integrated into a decentralized YouTube platform, Othent KMS ensures enhanced security without the need for users to download private keys.

• Decentralization Spectrum:

  Othent envisions a spectrum of decentralization options, providing projects with the flexibility to choose based on their goals and user experience preferences.

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Links:

• Othent: https://othent.io/

• Lorimer Jenkins' personal site: lorimerjenkins.com