Hi! My name is Ernest, and I am a software developer with nearly ten years of experience. Programming is not just my job but also a passion that I develop every day.
The decision to start this blog came when I decided to move permanently to the Netherlands. I used to visit my sister and her husband in Middelburg often, but now I have the opportunity to explore this country from a completely new perspective. I have always been fascinated by the history, nature, and infrastructure of Zeeland, and now I can explore it even further, experiencing its beauty throughout all seasons. I also highly appreciate the openness and kindness of the people I meet here. Daily life in the Netherlands is a constant expansion of my horizons and a source of inspiration for new endeavors.
What do I write about?
On this blog, I will share knowledge and thoughts mainly about programming, though not exclusively. You will also find posts about my passions, life in the Netherlands, and various interesting aspects of everyday life in Zeeland.
Technologies I specialize in
Backend
My main area of expertise is PHP, particularly:
- Symfony – a modern PHP framework that supports building scalable and efficient applications while allowing for the best architectural practices.
- Ecotone – a tool for implementing CQRS and Event Sourcing patterns, supporting the DDD approach and enabling better management of complex business processes.
- Sylius – an e-commerce platform based on Symfony that allows for flexible customization of online stores to meet specific business needs.
Frontend
Although I specialize in backend development, I am no stranger to frontend technologies. I have worked as a full-stack developer and had the opportunity to use various technologies, such as:
- Symfony UX – a set of tools seamlessly integrated with Symfony that facilitate building interactive applications.
- Vue.js and NestJS – frameworks I have used in various projects.
- jQuery and Vanilla JS – classic solutions that still have their place in some applications.
Flutter
When there is a need to develop a mobile application, my technology of choice is Flutter. It allows for the creation of cross-platform applications with a single codebase while providing a native-like experience. Its efficiency, flexibility, and growing ecosystem make it an excellent tool for mobile development.
Rust
Lately, I have also been experimenting with Rust, mainly for personal projects and automating daily tasks. I also use it in situations where extreme performance is required.
My approach to software architecture
For the past few years, I have been deeply studying Domain-Driven Design (DDD) – both in its strategic and tactical aspects. I apply these techniques in system design and refactoring legacy application architectures. I believe that well-designed software systems should not only be efficient but also easy to develop and adapt to changing business needs.
Open Source Contribution
Over the years, I have actively contributed to open-source projects, believing that open software plays a crucial role in technological development and online communities. One of my most significant projects was Kbin, a social platform I created as an alternative to traditional discussion forums and content aggregators.
Kbin is a federated microblogging and content aggregation platform, based on the ActivityPub protocol, allowing interaction with other decentralized networks such as Lemmy and Mastodon. The project was recognized and supported by the NLnet Foundation (NLnet.nl/project/Kbin), which helped it grow and reach a broader audience.
Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, I had to step away from actively working on Kbin and leave its further development to the community. Nevertheless, I am happy to see the project thriving, with a dedicated group of users and contributors who continue to push its vision forward.
Open-source has always been important to me, and while I am no longer involved with Kbin, I still believe in the power of community and the potential of open technologies to shape the future of the internet.
Beyond coding
Apart from programming, I have several other passions. One of them is discovering Zeeland – both from a historical and natural perspective. I love long walks on the beaches, exploring old towns, and discovering lesser-known corners of the region.
Another great passion of mine is music – specifically, playing the guitar. After a few years’ break, I am returning to playing, and I enjoy it immensely. Maybe I will even share some recordings or thoughts on music here?
