What I do
I am currently a Senior Software Engineer at adesso SE in Frankfurt.
My first contact with software development came when I started building small websites for fun on my first own computer. Back then, I used Adobe Dreamweaver and layouts made from invisible tables.
My days of using WYSIWYG editors and table-based layouts are long behind me, but my fascination with software development—and especially with websites and web applications—has remained.
For a long time, I was content with HTML, CSS, and small snippets of JavaScript. As part of my final project for my computer science class in high school, I chose to generate a maze and display it in a standard console. That was the first time I implemented real algorithms (depth-first and breadth-first search). The feeling of a computer completing, in the blink of an eye, whatever task I gave it has stayed with me ever since.
Programming became my profession when I started my first part-time job during my bachelor’s degree. At SOPTIM AG in Aachen, I learned how to implement practically anything imaginable in Java.
By now, I have moved somewhat away from programming and towards software architecture. The design of both large and small software systems quickly captivated me.
Since AI entered the mainstream and has become impossible to imagine software development without, I have been trying to find my niche so that I can continue to expand and apply my knowledge in a meaningful way in this new era.
What I do when I am not working with software
When I do not feel like sitting in front of a screen, I enjoy bouldering for exercise. You will also often find me walking along the Main or through the woods.
When I feel the need to create something tangible with my hands, I visit a small local rental workshop in Offenbach, (Michas Freiraum). There, I repair my furniture or build small wooden projects, for example on the lathe.
Often, my own screen at home simply is not large enough, so I regularly go to the cinema—usually once a week. That varies, however, depending on the current selection of films.
My local community is very important to me, so I often attend all kinds of events in the Rhine-Main region. These are often concerts, art markets, and flea markets, and less frequently plays, stand-up comedy events, and events hosted by the Frankfurt CCC. If I could, I would do something with my friends every day.
What else is important to me
Self-hosting is an important topic for me. Especially in the age of AI, I feel uncomfortable when my personal data is stored on the servers of companies—particularly US companies. I therefore often look into alternatives that I can either run myself on my home server or that are at least offered by companies based in the EU.
Advertising is one of the worst aspects of modern life in my opinion. I have invested a lot of time in making my life as largely ad-free as possible. To do so, I use ad blockers, modified apps on my smartphone and TV, and DNS blocklists.
The purpose of this website
First and foremost, this website is a place for technical tinkering and experiments. In the past, I spent some time developing a new version of this website every year to try out new technologies and methods.
The JavaScript and web framework market has calmed down somewhat. I am no longer interested in trying out a new framework every year if I will never use it again afterwards. This website has therefore become more of a repository for knowledge.
Secondarily, this website serves as a place where I can store information for myself and my friends. It was initially intended to be private, but eventually became public because I do not keep any secrets here. If someone happens to come across a guide or a recipe, I am happy that the site has provided a little value.