Skills & Expertise

Java was the first programming language I learned in high school, and I have used it extensively in my academic work. Java gave me insight into how object-oriented programming works and how it may be helpful when creating complex applications.

After practicing Java for several years, I have become proficient in using it to create a variety of different applications. I also started teaching people how to use Java with a very detailed tutorial series on my website and on YouTube. This has fostered my own learning and helped me connect with other developers.

I've been using vanilla JavaScript since back when jQuery was still popular! Since then, I've learned how to use JavaScript to create dynamic web applications and websites using libraries like React and NextJS.

I've been using JavaScript to create server-side applications using Node.js. Many of my related web development projects like WordPress plugins and Joomla extensions rely heavily on JavaScript. My experience with JS has easily translated over to using TypeScript. This over-engineered portfolio site was also created in React/NextJS using TypeScript.

Creating dynamic websites with PHP was my first intersection to server-side programming. I've used PHP to create custom WordPress plugins, Joomla extensions, and standalone applications.

Originally, I spent a lot of time working with the PHP-based Joomla CMS. Since Joomla! has significantly fallen in popularity, I am now focusing more on WordPress and Laravel.

In my freshman year of college, I was first introduced to Python. My experience with Python is mostly academic. I've used it to analyze data with Jupyter Notebooks, create simple web applications with Flask, and automate development tasks with scripts. I also completed my data structures course with Python, developing a variety of essential structures from scratch.

The first experience I had with SQL was when I started experimenting with Joomla and WordPress in high-school. It wasn't until college that I really started using it regularly. I've used SQL to create databases for web applications, analyze data, and create reports.

I understand how to normalize databases, create schemas, maintain databases, and write complex queries. MySQL was used extensively throughout some of my public Joomla projects (including previously mentioned YaQuiz), my web development capstone project, and several of my computer science courses.

I have a strong understanding of development paradigms and tools that help me create efficient and maintainable code.

I have experience with version control systems like Git, package managers like Composer, pip, and npm, and build tools like Webpack and Gulp. I have also used Docker to create development environments.

Development patterns like MVC and MVVM are familiar to me. I have used these patterns to create web applications and websites.

I have been using HTML since middle school and have used it to create 100+ websites and web applications.

I have a strong understanding of semantic HTML and accessibility. I have used HTML to create websites for small businesses, personal projects, and academic work. I have also used HTML to create custom email templates for marketing campaigns.

Since CSS goes together with HTML, I have been using it for just as long. I have used CSS to style websites, create animations, and make websites responsive.

CSS is used in almost every project I work on. I am also familiar with preprocessors like SASS and LESS. I have used CSS to create custom themes for WordPress and Joomla, as well as to style web applications.

All of my websites and applications are responsive.

I know how to use media queries, flexbox, and grid to create responsive designs. I use frameworks like Bootstrap and Tailwind CSS to create designs quickly.

I have extensive experience using popular web content management systems like WordPress and Joomla, and developing plugins and themes for them. I have used these platforms since their inception back in the early 2000s.

With these systems, I've created websites for clients, personal projects, and academic work. I know how to design and develop custom WordPress plugins and themes, along with Joomla templates and extensions.

Making websites accessible is extremely important to me! I want the experiences I create to be as inclusive as possible.

I follow common accessibility guidelines and use tools like Lighthouse and ARIA to ensure my websites are accessible. I have created accessible websites for clients, personal projects, and academic work.

Graphic design is a hobby I've enjoyed since middle school, and it has evolved into a valuable skill.

I am well versed in the Adobe suite of products. I love creating illustrations and editing photos.

Like graphic design, video production has also been a longtime hobby of mine.

I have experience with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. Most of my videos are educational and posted freely on YouTube. I have occasionally done school projects.