BisBabble Interview - Endogen
In this second issue of the “BisBabble” series we welcome Endogen, a long-time Bismuth supporter and developer of the Bismuth Telegram Bot, Bauer.
📝 The Interview
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A: Sure! I’m a 38-year-old software engineer from Germany, but I’ve only been in the software industry for about 8 years.
Before that, I worked as a retail salesman for an electronics retailer, but I didn’t enjoy it—so I decided to study Software Engineering 🙂.
As a kid, I was naturally drawn to the internet and fascinated by software. Unlike everything else that seemed to decay over time, software stayed the same—I found that really interesting.
Today, I work as a SAP consultant, helping companies implement SAP ME (Manufacturing Execution) to create paperless plants. Unfortunately, I no longer code at work, but I still love it and do it privately for fun.
Q: How do you describe yourself at dinner parties?
A: I don’t. I prefer to stay in the background and listen to people 😉.
But if I had to, I’d say I’m drawn to things outside the mainstream. Life is too short to be bored by mediocre stuff.
For example, I’ve always been fascinated by psychoactive drugs, consciousness, and philosophical theories.
However, after having two kids, responsibility took over—but I’m sure I’m still strange as hell 😆.
That’s what I’d say at a dinner party. And the one or two people still cool with me after that? Those are the ones I’d have a beer with.
Q: What made you want to start coding?
A: I love the idea of creating something from nothing. Software is especially interesting because of its unique properties—once it exists, it can be used anywhere by anyone.
The fact that someone can write code, publish it on GitHub, and people worldwide can use it fascinates me.
I believe proprietary software will become niche in the future—so everything I code privately will always be open source.
Q: Is programming your day job or a hobby?
A: It was my day job for a short time, but now it’s just a hobby.
I’m not the best programmer, and I have other skills, but I love coding and do it in my free time.
Q: How did you get introduced to blockchain?
A: I first heard about Bitcoin while studying. I thought it was cool but didn’t look into it much.
Years later, when I saw that these coins actually had value, I started digging deeper.
I was fascinated by the decentralization, censorship resistance, and independence from traditional finance.
It was obvious—this is the start of a new paradigm.
Q: What piece of code do you wish you had written?
A: TensorFlow 😀
Q: What code are you most proud of?
A: Honestly? The Bismuth Telegram Bot.
It may sound silly, but it’s the first project where I really liked how the code was structured.
And hey—I even got paid for coding in my free time! YAY! 🎉
Q: What programming languages have you worked with?
A:
- Java (for work) – liked it at first.
- Python (privately) – loved it. Since then, I never touched any other language.
- JavaScript & Vue – played around briefly, but nothing serious.
Q: What led you to Bismuth?
A: I love the crypto industry—it’s hilariously scammy, overblown, and overvalued. But on a serious note, it’s the future.
No one can stop it—it will drag the world with it, no matter what anyone tries to do.
Since I’m also obsessed with Python, I looked for a Python-based blockchain.
I didn’t want just a Python client—I wanted something I could tear apart and understand.
That’s how I found Bismuth. When I saw the logo and its connection to the chemical element, I was hooked.
I love fractals, and Bismuth reminds me of that.
Q: What’s your experience in the crypto field?
A:
- First got into Bitcoin.
- Then found Monero (XMR)—loved the idea, but disliked C++.
- Got involved with Monero’s ecosystem (created a proposal for a Monero Marketplace Bot – 🔗 Proposal).
- With Bismuth, I could finally get into the code, which I loved.
- I also enjoy trading—not good at it, but for me, it’s a game & hobby.
Q: What would you say is Bismuth’s biggest strength?
A: It’s coded in Python.
That fact alone attracts a lot of competent developers.
Combined with Bismuth’s features, it’s an exciting and fun project.
Q: What would you say is Bismuth’s biggest weakness?
A: The code itself.
The ideas behind Bismuth are brilliant, and HCLivess (Bismuth’s creator) is godlike.
However, the code structure needs improvement.
Q: Any thoughts on the current crypto industry?
A: The next big thing? Mining isn’t the way forward.
We need nodes that directly validate and store transactions, receiving fees without intermediaries.
If your blockchain requires a second layer, then your first layer isn’t the future.
Also—Gossip protocols, WTF.
Q: Most loved programming language, and why?
A: Python! Python! Python! 🚀
Q: Most hated programming language, and why?
A: I can’t judge many languages, but between Python and Java—I find Java boring.
After falling in love with Python, I never needed anything else.
Q: What are you up to when you’re not coding?
A:
- Playing with my kids 👨👩👧👦
- Thinking about obscure stuff 🤯
- Gardening 🌱
- Hanging out with friends 🍻
- Downhill biking 🚴 (but no time for it anymore—kids come first!).
I don’t take life too seriously and avoid most social activities.
Q: Your best piece of programming advice?
A:
❌ Don’t read books about programming.
✅ Just code.
🙏 Thanks a lot, Endogen, for answering our questions! Keep up the great work! 🚀