Get to Know the Team: Alejandro Elustondo

Welcome to our exciting new bi-weekly series, where we invite you to delve into the vibrant world of Nakama and get to know the brilliant minds behind our groundbreaking endeavors!

In this unique journey, we will be presenting exclusive text-based interviews with our team members, giving you a front-row seat to the passion, dedication, and expertise that fuels our innovation.

Hey, Alejandro! Tell us about your developer’s journey. How did you get started in the Web3 and crypto development space?

My fascination with technology took root when I was just a kid. I remember it like it was yesterday — my older brother got his hands on a copy of “The C Programming Language” by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie, and boy, did that set off a spark in me. I must have been around 12 years old back then.

Fast forward to the following year when I joined a specialized technical high school that focused on computers. It was during those years that I bagged my Computer Technician degree, setting the stage for my journey. By 2012, I had enrolled in the National Technological University, all pumped up to pursue Systems Engineering.

Things really got interesting around 2015 when I was knee-deep in studying Computer Security at the university. It was in one of those classes that I got my first taste of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. That was a turning point. I dove headfirst into understanding blockchain and that’s when I stumbled upon IOTA in 2017. Around the same time, fate smiled on me and I connected with Carpincho (Daniel de Michele, Co-Founder of Nakama), and together, we kicked off the exciting project called XDK2MAM, an open source project that facilitates the connection of Bosch sensor devices to the IOTA Tangle.

I was juggling this groundbreaking project with my role as a software engineer at a major software factory in Argentina. Towards the end of 2020, I got the incredible opportunity to join the IOTA Foundation, specifically in the ISCP (IOTA Smart Contract Protocol) team.

Zooming ahead to late 2021, I found myself teaming up with Carpincho and a bunch of other talented folks. Together, we embarked on a journey to develop a Proof of Concept using ISCP, and that’s how Nakama came to be.

It’s been a whirlwind ride, filled with learning, collaboration, and a whole lot of tech dreams coming true. And who knows what the future holds?

Could you provide details about the projects you’re currently involved in as a developer at Nakama? Additionally, what are your specific responsibilities and tasks within these endeavors?

In the past, I was part of the smart contract team at Deepr Finance. Now, I’m actively working on Virtue and Genie’s Bounty. Currently, my main role revolves around managing the smart contracts and subgraphs for both projects. And when it comes to the smart contract team, I’m the person folks turn to whenever there’s confusion or any kind of hiccup. My experience in the field has equipped me to handle these responsibilities effectively.

How does web3 development differ from the practices and approaches commonly used in the realm of web2 development?

The major distinction, and I think many would agree, lies in the approach. When you’re dealing with Web2 development, it’s almost always based on a centralized perspective. On the flip side, in Web3, the crux of it all lies in the smart contracts where rules and logic reside. Then, it’s mostly up to the user whether they want to engage directly with these contracts or via a frontend.

Now, what really strikes a personal chord and why I’ve got a soft spot for Web3 is that it hands over the reins to users when it comes to managing their passwords (or private key in this case). It’s this individual responsibility that adds a robust layer of security, but at the same time, it’s a notable responsibility on the user’s plate!

How do you stay updated with the rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain technology, including new protocols, tools, and best practices?

I think the core of this matter is that one ultimately becomes an innovator. This stems from the fact that web3 represents a relatively new paradigm, and there isn’t an abundance of information available for dealing with day-to-day issues. In the realm of Web2, this isn’t much of an issue due to the vast resources available on the internet — people have been working in this space for decades, after all. So, the natural response is that in the Web3 landscape, you find yourself compelled to stay constantly updated. Thankfully, in my case, it’s not a problem because I genuinely love what I do — hahaha!

What’s one valuable tip you would offer to a developer who is new to working with Web3 technologies and blockchain?

For those just starting out, I’d suggest focusing on a few key things. First off, grasp the basics of blockchain — get a solid understanding of how it all works. Then, dive into learning Solidity, the programming language for smart contracts. While you’re at it, dig into the history of hacks that have taken place over the years. There’s a goldmine of insights in there, showing you the pitfalls to avoid down the road. It’s a pretty valuable learning experience.

In what ways is AI impacting the role of a developer and reshaping the nature of their work?

I believe it’s incredibly useful for tackling everyday, simple issues. But here’s the thing, I’m pretty confident it won’t replace developers — at least not in the foreseeable future. It might bring a touch of ease to certain situations, though.

Thanks a lot, Alejandro!

Got more questions for Alejandro? Reach out to him on X! We’d love to hear what’s on your mind.

Stay tuned for the next episode!