Hi there! I'm Szvetlin.
I'm passionate about developing applications that address real-world challenges, making life easier for myself and others. With a love for exploring both frontend and backend development, I often dive into DevOps to craft a truly well-rounded full-stack experience.
Beyond coding, I love growing different varieties of hot peppers and exploring the outdoors on long walks with my dogs. As a content creator, I enjoy documenting my journey, sharing insights, and breaking down what I've learned to help others grow. Check out my YouTube channel, where I share tips, vlogs, and more!
As a kid, I loved tinkering with computers, but everything changed in 2010 when I got my first Android phone. Discovering I could create applications sparked my passion for development. I started learning Java and Android development from YouTube during high school, which set me on a path to pursue this passion further in university.
One thing led to another, and I began my career as an Android developer. Along the way, I explored web and backend development, which broadened my perspective on the immense impact of software engineering. In my early 20s, I developed a fascination for microcontrollers and electronics, bridging the gap between software and the physical world. This passion led me to create Bluetooth-enabled cars, robots, and home automation projects.
Inspired by YouTube content creators, I decided to share my own projects and journey with the world. I’m constantly learning, growing, and expanding my horizons, always eager to explore what’s next.
Experience
2024 - Present
2024 - Present
I mainly work on Outcomes, a product that helps educators to assess students and improve their learning outcomes. I am leading the modernization efforts on breaking out Outcomes from the Canvas monolith into different microservices. To find a more easily maintainble and cost effective solution.
2022 - 2024
2022 - 2024
Worked on a healthcare communication platform that enabled healthcare providers to easily communicate with their patients. Worked closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and product managers, to implement and advocate for best practices. Driven frontend testing efforts, including unit and integration tests, to ensure the quality of the product.
2018 - 2022
2018 - 2022
Worked on creating JavaScript based applications and websites in the field of Industrial IoT, Service Oriented Architectures and Management Solutions. I have been actively involved in European projects (Productive4.0, Arrowhead Tools) either as Work Package leader or Task Leader and I was a member of the Management Committee. I also oversaw the development of the Eclipse Arrowhead Framework.
2015 - 2018
2015 - 2018
Worked on multiple Android applications, mainly focusing on the company's mobile application that enabled users to book appointments with local businesses. Later worked on developing websites, and various web applications. Worked closely with the product team to define the product roadmap and prioritize features.
Projects
A simple puzzle game released to the App Store and Play Store.
A project to explore the functionality of BunJS and HTMX. It is a meal planner application that enables users to generate a weekly meal plan based on preferred ingredients and macro nutrient goals.
An Android application that I developed to track howw many days I have spent with my girlfriend and to remind me of important dates, anniversaries. The app had 150K+ downloads and 4.6 star rating in the Play Store, before I retired it in 2018.
A fun little home automation project I have created while attending university. It consists of a Node.js server with a MongoDB database, and Pug templates for a frontend. I have also interfaced with Rasberry Pies and ESP8266 devices with various sensors. The project is open-source and available on GitHub.
A binary clock that I have built with an ESP8266 microcontroller. It uses the NTP protocol to get the current time and displays the time in binary format on a small OLED dsplay.
Personal
What am I doing when I am not tinkering with computers?
Family
When I'm not buried in code or tending to my pepper plants, I'm spending time with my family and my amazing wife. Our daughter keeps me on my toes with her brilliant questions, while our little son reminds me daily that sleep is an optional part of life. Together, we are the perfect team, turning our house into a lively mix of laughs and chaos.
Gym
I make it a priority to hit the gym multiple times a week to counter the sedentary life that comes with being a developer. It's not just about staying in good shape, I've found it also helps me maintain flexibility, build muscle, and clear my mind after long coding sessions.
Dogs
We have two lovable rescue dogs from a local shelter: meet Almond, the brown one, and Muesli, the tricolor mischief-maker. They're endlessly playful, ridiculously friendly, and absolute experts at turning our garden into their personal excavation site. Big walks are a favorite pastime, whether it's around the nearby lake or right through it when it dries out. They've brought so much joy (and a little chaos) into our lives, proving that every day is better with a wagging tail and muddy paws.
Hot Peppers
Since being a kid I've enjoyed eating hot peppers. I found that it helps you feel the food on another level. Since 2024 I've started growing my hot peppers, namely Habaneros and Trinidad Moruga Scorpions. It was an amazing experience to grow them from seed, care for them, watch them grow and now they are over a meter tall. I overwinter them inside during the winter, where I've build them some extra lighting, to keep them warm and cozy. Their peppers are extremely hot
