About Me
Getting to Know Me Better
A no-nonsense introduction to who I am, what I do, and why.
Introduction
My name is Scott, and I'm a passionate developer based in Glasgow, Scotland. I began my journey in software development in 2020. I decided to learn how to code following several experiences in life where I thought to myself: "someone should make a tool for this". With a lifelong obsession with technology, I was eager to learn how to build my own tools. Since 2020, I turned several of those tools into small businesses, which I've managed to make a living from.
Through my experience as an independent developer, I have learned countless invaluable lessons at a fast pace about the importance of building performant, secure, and user-friendly applications. I have experienced firsthand the issues that arise when producing production grade applications, and I have learned how to avoid them.
I prefer to work with modern technologies and frameworks, such as TypeScript, React, and Tailwind CSS as I like to stay current with the latest trends in the industry, though I am not afraid to learn and use older technologies and frameworks when they are the best tool for the job.
Background
I have a particular interest in building tools and applications that leave a lasting impression on their users through their design, ease of use, and use case.
I learned web development through self-teaching with a clear vision before me. I would draw design inspiration from developers that I had networked with online and ask myself: "how would I build this?". I spent a lot of time building SaaS landing pages in order to learn first HTML+CSS, and then JavaScript. I then moved on to building small web applications using React and Tailwind CSS for styling, and then to building full-stack applications using Node.js and Express.
I used the open-source note-taking app Obsidian to take notes on my learning journey. I found that this was a great way to keep track of my progress and to reflect on my learnings. To this day, I still refer to my Obsidian notes to help me remember how to build certain things and reuse components that I had a particular love for when building.
Areas of Focus
AI & LLMs
I believe it is paramount to stay up to date with AI and LLM developments, as our lives are increasingly being shaped by these technologies. I have a particular interest in the use of AI and LLMs to build tools and applications that help people live their lives better.
Design - UI/UX
At the core of my work is a love for design. I believe that good design is essential to the success of any product. As an enjoyer of all forms of art, I see application design as my own form of art where keystrokes translate to brushstrokes.
JavaScript Ecosystem
I have a particular interest in the JavaScript ecosystem, and I am eager to learn and use the latest and greatest tools and frameworks that the ecosystem has to offer.
Application Security
I am deeply committed to understanding and implementing robust security practices in web applications. Through my experience building production applications, I've learned that security is a fundamental requirement of any application, and must be prioritised from the ground up.