Hey, Iβm
Full-Stack Engineer | Custom Software Solutions
With nearly a decade of professional experience, I am a developer specializing in PHP, JavaScript, and Python, with a passion for C++ and Go. As a freelancer, I am dedicated to delivering high-quality software and continuously expanding my skills, a journey I often document in my blogs. You can review my professional work in the experience section.
I am currently building innovative new products together with my clients. Together, we are shaping the future of technology. Across different partnerships, I am currently working on AI product information management, managing network devices from a serverless web-first platform, developing custom tracking solutions for marketing, and building web scraping tools.
Services
- Web Tracking with AI insights
Gain actionable insights with our privacy-first, AI-powered web tracking. Receive weekly summaries of anonymous user activity to improve your website without the need for expensive, complex analytics tools.
- Monitoring
Ensure your services stay online with our managed uptime monitoring. We provide a simple, affordable alternative to complex monitoring platforms, alerting you instantly to downtime or expired SSL certificates.
- Container Hosting
VonkProgramming provides affordable and reliable container hosting solutions without the lock-in. Perfect for side projects that need flexible, short-term deployments without long-term contracts.
- Git Backup Service
Secure your code with an automated fail-safe. We provide a simple managed backup service that mirrors your repositories, ensuring your code remains safe even if you lose access to your main Git provider.
- Custom solutions
Turn your unique ideas into reality with tailored software solutions. From web development and AI integration to IoT, we build custom applications designed specifically to meet your business goals.
- Workflow Automation
Stop wasting time on repetitive tasks. Our custom workflow automation solutions streamline your business processes, reducing errors and freeing up your team to focus on high-value work.
Blogs
- Agentic coding, a new layer of abstraction π€
AI agents are advancing fast, while the introduction of ChatGPT was already a massive shift in how a lot of work was done, the improvements have kept coming. AI agents are doing more and more of the work and becoming impressively good at it as well. I think it is time to stop criticising using a lot of AI in your work and start thinking of ways to streamline using these agents. How to create guardrails so these agents can be used to effectively make us do more work while not generating AI slop.
- The challenges of European Cloud βοΈ
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the risks of European governments hosting their digital infrastructure on American cloud providers. While I agree with the security concerns, I believe many people overlook the challenges this transition will bring. In this blog post, I explore what makes providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud special, the downsides of relying on them, and the difficulties in creating a European alternative.
- Vibe Coding Needs a Vibe Check π―
Writing unit tests for all your code is not something every developer or company has the time or resources to do. However they can ensure that your code works as expected and prevent production issues. In this blog post I will discuss how using AI you can easily generate unit tests for your codebase and increase your test coverage with minimal effort.
- Self-Hosting Unlocked π
Self-hosting services has been a passion of mine for a while now. Recently, I took that passion a step further by building a custom Raspberry Pi cluster, utilizing orchestration tools to manage and distribute services across it. But why go down the rabbit hole of self-hosting? In this blog post, I discuss the various self-hosted services I have built and how they can provide value to others.
- Spectrum Sensing using Cognitive Radio π‘
Radio signal congestion in Wi-Fi networks is becoming a critical issue as current channel selection methods struggle to keep up with demand. A novel solution utilizes neural networks to "listen" to the frequency spectrum and intelligently identify the best available channels for data transmission. This approach, particularly when using a Convolutional Support Vector Machine, has demonstrated over 90% accuracy in optimizing wireless connectivity and reducing interference.
- My views on AI and the future π€
Artificial Intelligence, you've probably heard this term over a thousand times already. But what is the current state of the technology? Where is it going? What are the good and the bad things about it? In my latest blog I talk about my views on this topic and dive into what I think the technology can do now, and what it will be able to do in the near future.
- Taking back control πͺ
Reliance on big companies has become more and more of a concern as of recently, for me as well. So the last couple of months I have been looking into how to host some of the most important services for me myself. In this blog post I describe my journey into starting.
- How matrices took over the world π
Matrices are often considered as a pain during your studies, but they are actually used everywhere! 3D rendering, neural networks and simulations all use matrices to perform their calculations. In this blog I will explain how they work and where they are used.
- The wonderful world of IoT: The perfect hobby for tech enthusiasts π¨βπ»
Over the last months I have been getting more and more interested in creating all kinds of IoT projects. It started with a christmas decoration last christmas but has turned into a full hobby. Home automations are already being built which will hopefully make life easier and more fun!
- My operating system journey: From Windows to Linux π§
In this blog post, I will share my journey of switching from Windows to Linux, the challenges I faced, and the benefits I have experienced since making the switch.
- ZenuNet: An easy way to create your own neural network
I have recently returned to university to pursue my master's degree after working for a three years. In this blog post, I'll share my experience and how working as a developer between my bachelor's and master's degrees has changed my perspective on studying and has made me a very motivated student.
- Neural Networks: A Beginnerβs Guide π§
Specialization can feel like a strength, but is it always the best choice for developers? In this blog post, I'll discuss the benefits of broadening your focus and how over-specialization can limit your growth and opportunities.
- How the internet works π
Like every 1 to 2 years I recently decided to rebuild my website again using another framework. This time I chose to use Solid.js to replace my old Astro.js setup. In this blog post I will talk about my experience setting everything up and the reasons why I chose Solid.js.
- Getting back into studying π
Large Language Models have taken the world by storm, but how do they actually work? In this blog post I will talk about the magic behind Large Language Models.
- Over-Specialization in Development π¨
Are you using Google Chrome for browsing the web? In this blog post I will show you some tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of your browsing experience
- Rebulding my personal website π οΈ
Version control is a powerful tool that can help you manage your codebase more effectively. In this blog post, I'll discuss some advanced version control techniques that can help you unlock the full power of version control and take your development workflow to the next level.
- The magic of Large Language Models πͺ
Have you ever noticed that you come up with the best ideas when you are bored? In this blog post I will talk about the power of boredom and how you can use it to your advantage.
- Google Chrome tips & tricks π
In today's interconnected world, having a strong network is as crucial as being skilled, as connections can open doors to opportunities that talent alone might not. By leveraging both local and digital networks, you can enhance your professional reach and position yourself for greater success.
- Unlocking the Full Power of Version Control π
In this blog post I will describe my experience with moving from the Netherlands to Poland. I will describe the challenges I faced and how I tackled them and how I think someone else could tackle them just the same.
- The power of boredom π€―
Have you also noticed that software seems to have more and more bugs and big crashes seem to occur more often? In this blog post I will talk about the challenges that come with guaranteeing high code quality.
- Connected world π
Developers often prefer to solve all their problems using code, sometimes however using a paid service or a no code solution is a better way to solve your problem faster. In this blog post I will talk about the considerations I make when solving a problem and where I think using abstract solutions like no code are justified.
- Moving to Poland π
Is kubernetes really the greatest invention of all time? Are AWS and Azure really going to scale infinetely? Maybe there is still a place in this world for monoliths and dedicated servers. In this blog I talk about my views on this topic and how I think that monoliths are still a viable option for a lot of companies.
- The degradation of code quality π
Development teams are often too focussed on the products they work on directly and don't stop to consider who the users are and where the product fits in to the bigger system and what stacks are used that are closely related to the product. In this blog post I will talk about how I deal with understanding this context and how I am often able to communicate with team that work in completely different stacks.
- The abstraction spectrum π
Do you have the feeling that programming full time as a job has reduced your appreciation of programming? Or are you just curious about the opinions of another lover of programming. In this blog I discuss why I love programming and how I will keep loving it.
- The viability of monoliths π€«
Why are all these motivational guru's so successful in conveying their message. I have also had a period in my life where I was susceptible to these kind of voices and what I have noticed; Is that it works very well in achieving more in life! It might sound weird because a lot of the time they also try to sell you some weird course which does not work. But the effect of believing that you will be able to achieve greatness is a very powerful
- Why is context important? π€
It happens to all of us that we encounter something that seems so complex that it cannot be grasped by our brains. But often after looking at the problem for a while and breaking it up into smaller pieces it becomes manageable. In this blog post I will discuss how I use the divide and conquer principle in my coding journey.
- The love of programming β€οΈ
Finding the right tool for the job can be difficult. Finding the optimal tool is even more difficult. In this blog post I go into my views on finding the right tool and what are important things to take into account.
- The benefit of believing in yourself π€©
Also experience forgetfulness every now and then? There is a solution! A superpower that is available to everyone, taking notes. In this blog post I will discuss how taking notes has changed my ability to remember.
- Divide & Conquer πͺ
Working fast and efficient is important. Doing more in less time while impressing your colleagues is amazing. I will dive into what small and easy improvements every developer can make to work more efficiently and save time in the long run which can be spent on other things (most likely more coding!)
- The right tool for the job π¨
Continuous learning is very important in the world of software engineering. But a pitfall a lot of people encounter is that they cannot stick to it. In this blog post I will delve into my personal journey with learning and my findings and tips.
- Taking notes, a real superpower π¦Έ
What are the key principles of code excellence? What rules to adhere to and what tools to use? This blog post will delve deep into the world of writing excellent code, click read more to find out.
- Small efficiencies add up
- Learning sustainably
- How to achieve code excellence
Skills
- Dutch
- English
- Polish
- Javascript
- Python
- Typescript
- HTML
- CSS
- SQL
- PHP
- Go
- C++
- C
- Matlab
- Java
- MongoDB
- SQLite
- MySQL
- Redis
- Postgres
- Vue.js
- Express.js
- React
- Lit
- Solid.js
- Flask
- Angular
- Ionic
- Laravel
- Django
- React Native
- Electron
- Astro
- Svelte
- NiceGUI
- Nuxt.js
- Nest.js
- Strapi
- Git
- Sass
- Klaviyo
- Jest
- ESLint
- npm
- Chart.js
- Cypress
- Pandas
- Puppeteer
- Playwright
- PyTorch
- PySpark
- Prisma
- Redux
- i18next
- Stripe
- Payload
- Vim
- Langchain
- Docker
- Nginx
- Github
- Github Actions
- Apache
- Azure DevOps
- AWS
- Jenkins
- Lightspeed
- CCVShop
- Magento
- Wordpress
- node.js
- Linux
- Ubuntu
- Debian
- Windows
Experience
- Mikrocloud
I am the lead developer at Mikrocloud, where I work on a platform that allows users to manage Mikrotik RouterOS devices in a custom SD-WAN. I use Laravel for the backend and Nuxt.js for the frontend. Our infrastructure is built on AWS using a microservices architecture. I use Lambda, API Gateway, and SNS to manage communication between different services. My role also involves writing scripts in the RouterOS language to configure routers, which has given me experience with networking and hardware management. We also build various features using AI to improve the platform.
- Webshopimporter
As the lead developer at Webshopimporter, I oversee a system that fetches supplier data and maps it into different e-commerce platforms. I am currently leading the migration of our codebase from CodeIgniter to Django, while maintaining parts of the application built on Laravel and MySQL. My work involves using APIs and FTP connections to move data. I work with a wide range of formats and protocols, including JSON, XML, REST, and SOAP, regardless of how complex the documentation is.
- Wisepim
I work at Wisepim, which is a growing startup at the forefront of AI technology. I use my experience working with e-commerce APIs to connect and integrate various systems into their platform. The platform is a PIM system that uses AI to enrich and improve product information. Since the company is growing and working with new technology, my role involves building the tools needed to keep up with that growth using Django and RemixJS.
- Swiftsync
I work as a full-stack developer at Swiftsync.ai, where I handle a variety of projects ranging from API integrations to web scraping and frontend development. I use Django, NiceGUI, and React to build the tools needed for the platform. I created an advanced web scraping dashboard that allows for highly configurable data extraction from websites. I also developed a management dashboard for CCVShop, an e-commerce platform in the Netherlands, which makes it much easier to view and multi-edit data. In this role, I use Python to work with platforms like Magento, CCVShop, and WordPress.
- Chary Solutions
I am the senior developer at Chary Solutions, where I lead the technical development for integrating Klaviyo with various content management systems that do not have standard integrations. My work focuses on building solutions for tracking and sending event data to Klaviyo, providing email marketers with the tools they needed to improve their campaigns. I use Google Tag Manager for custom tracking cookies and work with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Lightspeed, and CCVShop. I also build internal automations to make the company's operations more efficient.
- SPAR
I worked as a data engineer at SPAR Nederland, where I solved data-related questions and problems. I mostly used SQL, Azure, and Python to handle complex challenges related to big data. I worked extensively with the Pandas framework, which gave me a deep understanding of the data manipulations possible with Pandas and NumPy. This role gave me the opportunity to work with a different tech stack than my previous positions, which helped me broaden my skills and become a more flexible developer.
- ING
At ING in Amsterdam, I worked as a full-stack developer and a product owner. I used the Lit element framework to build various interfaces used by the bank. I also focused on creating work methodologies to ensure high code quality. This included managing development pipelines, writing my own custom ESLint rules, and performing extensive unit testing. In addition to my development work, I served as a product owner for a period of time. In that role, I managed project timelines, prioritized features, and worked with stakeholders to make decisions about the product's direction.
- Quintor
I worked as an IT consultant and trainee at Quintor, where I was involved in software development projects for large clients like ING and various government organizations. During my traineeship, I learned how important code quality is and how to implement it through extensive testing, including unit tests, integration tests, and more specific testing for different use cases. This role taught me the principles of what makes code good and helped me move to the next level as a developer. I applied these testing and linting methodologies throughout all my projects.
- SVB
At SVB, I was a frontend developer working with JavaScript and the Angular framework. This was my first experience with a large organization like the SVB, which is a Dutch government entity. It taught me how project management works within large companies and how to navigate those structures. I learned to implement complex workflows with code quality guarantees, which gave me my first chance to apply the principles I learned during my traineeship at Quintor. A major part of my job was managing a migration from AngularJS to Angular, which required careful planning and a deep understanding of both frameworks. I also managed development pipelines to ensure an efficient workflow and continuous delivery.
- J-Tax Automotive
Joining 'J-Tax Automotive' situated in Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands, from June 2021, I undertook the significant responsibility of crafting bespoke software tailored for valuation reports. This marked a pivotal milestone as my first major independent project as a freelancer. The project harnessed the power of Vue.js, ExpressJS, and MongoDB to seamlessly develop a comprehensive solution. The outcome of this endeavor was transformative, as the client now reaps the benefit of generating up to four times the number of reports, highlighting the substantial impact of streamlined and efficient software implementation.
- MedWeb
At 'MedWeb' in Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands, where I was engaged from September 2019 to August 2020, I played a key role in developing a roster application for medical professionals and updating the 'Medspace' application using VueJS/JavaScript, IBM Notes, IBM Domino Designer, CSS, and HTML. During this time, I also focused on enhancing data visualization capabilities by incorporating Chart.js, enabling clients to derive valuable insights from their data. Working closely with LotusScript, I contributed to the application's functionality, translating intricate data into meaningful charts that empowered medical specialists and doctors to make informed decisions based on clear, visualized information.
- Floriade
At 'Floriade', based in Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands, the role was from September 2018 to January 2019. The responsibilities included contributing to a specific segment of the Floriade project, utilizing skills in PHP, CSS, MySQL, and HTML to enhance its digital presence. The Floriade exposition, held in Almere, is a renowned international horticultural exhibition that showcases innovative landscaping and sustainable gardening practices. It serves as a platform for sharing ideas, technologies, and designs related to urban development, horticulture, and environmental sustainability. The exposition attracts visitors from around the world and offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge concepts in urban greening and ecological urban planning
- Sanoma
At 'Sanoma', based in Hoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands, the role was performed from September 2017 to June 2018. The responsibilities included developing software for advertising in PHP, CSS, MySQL, and HTML. The primary focus of the project revolved around utilizing Chart.js to visualize and present data in a variety of advanced chart formats. These advanced charts added a dynamic dimension to the advertising platform, enabling the effective representation of complex data in an easily understandable manner.
- Student Aan Huis
At 'Student Aan Huis', based in Utrecht, North Holland, Netherlands, the role involved assisting individuals that were customer's of 'Student Aan Huis' with their computer issues, from printer setups to restoring entire Windows systems.