I'm @atoko, a software engineer from a musician family. I started playing with keyboards and retro computers at an early age, tinkering and creating games in C++. I initially dreamt of composing video game scores or even creating the games themselves. Growing up, my journey was always to create experiences that would inspire.

for more information, feel free to contact me at [email protected]

Learning a new technology is exciting to me -- I do not see it as a challenge but as a new opportunity for self expression. Much like learning a new instrument.

I admire artists and engineers and receive inspiration from their inventions. Words to live by: there isn't such a thing as version 1.0. Programming is an iterative process (every day brings a new challenge).

How did you get started? When I was young, I started my career by creating mobile applications. This was time-consuming, as I strived to make a good experience, while still having responsibilities at home and at university. I worked with Tokyopop and met with designers on a weekly basis. Exhausting!

Ultimately, we pulled through and delivered everything. A lesson to remember: the process of creativity takes time!

I am formally a frontend and backend developer, having worked in the industry for over a decade. My strengths are:

• data modeling and querying
• infrastructure as code and ci/cd for frontend
• SDLC processes and codebase maturity

Honestly? I'm a fan of everything javascript. ¹.

I try and choose the most applicable tool that is appropriate for the task. I'm fond of Software Engineering as a craft -- there are a lot of technologies, too many, in fact ². However, Design Systems rock!

In no particular order, these are some of the technologies I'm familiar with:

• Frontend: React, HTML/a11y, Typescript
• Backend: Nodejs, Java/Spring
• Databases: NoSQL (DynamoDB), Postgres, PL/SQL

• Being well organized with codebases improves understanding of every feature's scope.
• Documentation, tests and clear instructions contribute the most to a project's health.
• Learn Markdown, it will help you organize your thoughts.

I believe in the power of collaboration; To me it is not about being right, but about working towards a common goal. Volunteering my time to Girls Who Code, I spent more time thinking about developer experience than about database schemas.

I channel my energy in my free time to create art. Since young, I was always taught to keep myself busy. To me, this meant creating. Some of my favorites:

• Pixelmator
• Renoise
• Serum 2