Id/Password ? Naah I'd Keypair

Shishir Shukla — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:31:17 +0000

Apparently, the conventional ID–password method of authentication is evolving, slowly but steadily, as seen in Solana and the broader Web3 ecosystem. For years, we have relied on usernames and passwords as a secure authentication method, but these credentials are typically stored on centralized servers. Even when hashed, they remain part of a system that can be targeted in large-scale breaches. Centralization here is the problem if not only the strength of password.

Web3, on the other hand, introduces the concept of cryptographic asymmetric keys — a public-private key pair generated locally on the user’s machine locally. The public key acts as a public identity, while the private key remains securely with the user, completely private. This model eliminates the need for passwords and enables authentication through cryptographic signing. Beyond authentication, these keypairs also allow users to authorize transactions and interact securely with decentralized applications, making identity both more secure and more versatile. Solana wallet is essentially this keypair, where the public key serves as the user’s visible identity, and the private key provides the authority to sign and approve actions. This means authentication is no longer about proving knowledge of a password, but about proving ownership of a private key through cryptographic signatures. Importantly, the private key never leaves the user’s control, removing the need for centralized storage altogether.

What makes this model even more powerful is Solana’s account-based architecture. Every identity corresponds to an account on-chain, and each account is uniquely identified by its public key.

Compared to Web2, the advantages are significant. Ownership shifts entirely to the user, as control of the private key directly equates to control of identity. There is no central database that can expose millions of users at once, and authentication becomes more secure by eliminating passwords altogether.

While implementing this in practice, I generated a keypair and interacted with it through Solana tools, which made the concept much clearer. Along the way, I encountered a few practical challenges. Using older LTS Node.js version caused compatibility issues with @solana/kit sdk, which I later updated. I also found pnpm to be particularly useful when working across multiple subfolders, as it avoids redundant installations and simplifies dependency management. For the first few days, I found myself stuck on minor issues and making little progress, but by iterating through multiple fixes, I gradually worked my way forward. Along the way, I also learned about tree-shakeable modules, which help eliminate unused code for better optimization, and gained clarity on .mjs files, which represent JavaScript modules following the ES module standard. These small but important lessons made the development process smoother.

Ultimately, Solana is redefining identity by shifting it from platform-controlled credentials to user-owned cryptographic keys.

For more references:
Solana Docs: Accounts
Solana Docs: Program Derived Addresses (PDAs)
Solana Cookbook: How to Create a Keypair

GSM Based Smart Switch

Shishir Shukla — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:28:06 +0000

This is a submission for the Built with Google Gemini: Writing Challenge

What I Built with Google Gemini

Farmers working in agricultural fields often need to switch water pumps multiple times a day, and sometimes even late at night. In many cases, they manage multiple fields located far away from each other, which makes manual operation inconvenient and time-consuming.

To address this challenge, we built a GSM-sensor based water pump control system that enables remote switching of pumps using a 2G GSM network. The core idea was to eliminate the need for physical presence while ensuring reliable and secure operation.
We used Gemini to brainstorm more possible applications, features, use case scenarios and last but not least safety and caution.
The system consists of a GSM module for receiving SMS or call-based commands, a microcontroller that processes these commands, and a relay unit that controls the pump’s power supply. When a user sends a predefined text message of call from their mobile phone, the GSM module receives it, the microcontroller verifies and interprets it, and the relay safely switches the pump ON or OFF. The relay, in practical applications, requires proper electrical isolation, typically achieved using optocouplers and MOSFETs. However, in our project, we primarily focused on the switching mechanism of the relay, as the isolation aspect can be implemented separately without significant difficulty. Our solution focuses on simplicity, accessibility, and reliability — ensuring that critical irrigation control is just a message away.

To build the GSM-based water pump control system, we integrated both hardware and communication technology. For microcontroller we used NodeMcu(ESP8266) to process incoming Tx/Rx commands and control switching logic. For GSM we used SIM800L module inside which Sim card is inserted. For actuation we used a relay for now as prototype and powered the whole setup with a Buck Converter. We used Arduino IDE first and later improved the logic and quality using Antigravity IDE's AI features.

Demo

Here's the link to the video of working prototype:
https://youtube.com/shorts/cMyGNHQm5_g

Github :

Shishir067 / Smart-Farm

Complete smart farm setup from monitoring to control

Smart-Farm

Complete smart farm setup from monitoring to control

View on GitHub

What I Learned

While creating this project, we initially thought that establishing a network connection with the GSM module would be easy. However, due to its built-in antenna, achieving a strong and stable network connection was challenging. We struggled at first, which motivated me to study the 2G GSM spectrum in greater detail.

Working with the SIM module also helped me understand AT commands, their importance, and their practical use cases in device communication. We encountered UART communication issues between the microcontroller and the SIM module, which we resolved by configuring and using alternate communication channels.

Since the SIM module supported quad-band operation, we tested each band for signal strength and response stability. After identifying the strongest and most reliable band, we locked it and saved the configuration in the module’s built-in memory.

This project also enhanced our understanding of relay switching, load control, and basic power electronics—especially the importance of electrical isolation and the safe handling of high-voltage devices. We learned how components like MOSFETs and optocouplers contribute to reliable and robust circuit design.

Google Gemini Feedback

Initially, after brainstorming ideas and features, we over-complicated the project and got stuck. Gemini suggested a step-by-step approach: first determining the correct baud rate, then identifying the strongest band, and finally confirming the AT commands. By focusing on one task at a time, we simplified what had once seemed overwhelming. Gemini also helped resolve issues with deprecated libraries by providing alternative approaches; for example, since the NodeMCU can become unstable with the default UART, we utilized alternative pins instead. These small tips were crucial for navigating the technical hurdles that are often difficult to solve without guidance.

Credit

This project was a truly collaborative effort and would not have been possible without the innovative ideas and equal contributions of my friend Domendra Kumar Sahu

DEV Community: Shishir Shukla

Id/Password ? Naah I'd Keypair

GSM Based Smart Switch

What I Built with Google Gemini

Demo

Shishir067 / Smart-Farm

Complete smart farm setup from monitoring to control

Smart-Farm

What I Learned

Google Gemini Feedback

Credit