Tim Coulter

How did you get started in blockchain and why did you start Truffle?

TC: I became interested in blockchain technology right after the Bitcoin boom of 2013. After hearing about the boom and how I had missed out, I became so interested in the tech that I immediately started mining and trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. When the startup I was working for ran out of money in early 2015, I decided to work in blockchain full time. That’s when I found Ethereum and ConsenSys, and have been an Ethereum convert ever since.

What is the mission of Truffle?

TC: We want to make building blockchain applications as enjoyable as eating a chocolate truffle. To that end, we want to build the tools developers and enterprises need to create maintainable, professional applications on top of blockchains and distributed ledger technologies.

I built Truffle out of necessity after starting at ConsenSys. My goal coming in was to build blockchain applications, though I quickly learned Ethereum lacked the development tooling necessary to make that process easy. What started out as a few scripts meant to make my life easier turned into a suite of development tools aimed at making all developers’ lives easier.

What will blockchain dApp development look like in the next 5-10 years?

TC: This is a great question, and likely something I’d need more time to discuss. I recently posted my thoughts on POVCrypto, a podcast I was featured in recently, where advancements in blockchains and distributed protocols could change the state of application development as we know it. Bottom line, whether or not those idyllic advancements occur, I do know blockchain technology is going to permeate all manner of industries, providing new ways for individuals and companies to interact in a connected world.

How important are tokenomics in dApp development?

TC: This highly depends on the application. Tokens provide incentives for behavior, as well as a record of ownership of certain on-chain and off-chain assets. Some tokens are likely to power blockchain commerce, like DAI, and of course, Ether, will always be a required token to run the network itself. Not all dApps require a token, though we’re likely to see tokens as a mainstay in any application that uses the blockchain as a system of record.

Why or why shouldn’t a dApp use a native token?

TC: Tokens already exist in daily life, and having tokens on chain is no different. For instance, like Ether, physical tokens power arcades, and you have to purchase those tokens to play games. Tickets to the movie theater are a form of token: If you hold a ticket, you’re given access. The deed to your house is another token, it signifies that you have ownership over that property. As we build applications on top of the blockchain, we’ll need tokens in order to record things like ownership, provide access, or take payments. Some tokens are specifically designed to incentivize certain behaviors (e.g. they’re not transferable, or expire, or hold less value over time) and those tokens can be used to code beneficial interactions between all participants.

Is the U.S. at risk of falling behind in blockchain innovation?

TC: I don’t think so. I think our legal panel at TruffleCon will provide their own perspective, but in my view, ConsenSys, Libra, and other players in the blockchain space are working hard to push regulations that are favorable to blockchain innovation. So far, I’ve seen the SEC treat crypto assets as favorably as possible in relation to non-crypto assets, so my hopes are high that these policies will continue.

What is your opinion on Libra?

TC: Libra is an exciting project. It’s bound to bring cryptocurrency to the masses, and for that, I’m excited. There’s still some uncertainty around its technical and social ramifications, but if one thing is sure, it’s that Facebook has the will and financial backing to educate our legislature on the benefits of cryptocurrency and blockchain development. So, all in all, I think it’s a win for the industry.