Will Mason

Early Beginnings and Skill Acquisition

My journey in web development began over ten years ago. During this time, I honed my skills in PHP, which laid the foundation for my subsequent specialization in Laravel. As PHP evolved from versions 5 to 9, I stayed up-to-date with the latest developments, ensuring that I could leverage the full potential of the language in my projects.

Specialization in Laravel

My career took a significant turn when I delved into Laravel, a powerful PHP framework known for its elegant syntax and extensive features. I became a specialist in Laravel, dedicating more than five years to mastering its intricacies and leveraging it to build robust web applications.

Technical Proficiency

My skill set extends beyond Laravel and PHP. I possess expertise in various technologies crucial to modern web development, including MySQL, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript (ES6). My proficiency in JavaScript extends to popular frameworks like React and Vue.js, making me adaptable to diverse project requirements.

Version Control and Collaboration

In addition to my coding skills, I have a strong foundation in version control systems like Git. Collaborating effectively with team members and clients is crucial in the development process, and my proficiency in Git ensures that project versions are managed seamlessly.

Database Management

A vital aspect of web development is database management, and I excel in this area as well. MySQL databases are familiar territory for me, and I can efficiently design, optimize, and maintain databases to support the needs of web applications.

Containerization and Cloud Services

The modern web development landscape often relies on containerization and cloud services. I am well-versed in Docker, which enables me to create lightweight, portable containers for applications. Furthermore, my experience with AWS (Amazon Web Services) allows me to deploy and manage applications in the cloud, ensuring scalability and reliability.

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Quality assurance is a top priority in my work. I adhere to Test-Driven Development (TDD) principles, writing tests before the actual code to ensure that every feature works as intended. This approach not only guarantees the functionality of the application but also facilitates future updates and maintenance.

Professional Experience

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working on diverse projects that have further enriched my skills and experience. While I can't provide specific company names or dates, I can highlight some of my notable achievements:

1. Platform Upgrade and Integration of Livewire

In one role, I played a pivotal role in upgrading a prominent web platform. I modernized it by implementing Laravel 9 and seamlessly integrating Livewire. This upgrade enhanced the platform's performance, user experience, and security. My responsibilities extended to Git management and AWS configuration.

1. Progressive Web Application (PWA) Development

During another role, I contributed significantly to the development of a Progressive Web Application (PWA) within the agriculture sector. My focus was on enhancing security and improving the user experience by combining Laravel and Vue.js. The resulting application offered users a seamless and engaging experience.

1. Mail System Rewrite and Dashboard Development

At a different juncture, I undertook a range of critical tasks, including rewriting a legacy mail system, developing interactive dashboards, and implementing an SQS (Simple Queue Service) system for handling transactional and non-transactional emails. This project showcased my versatility and ability to tackle complex challenges.

Key Strengths

One of my key strengths is adaptability, which I've cultivated through diverse industry experiences. Whether as an independent contributor or a collaborative team member, I actively engage in discussions to drive improvements and innovative solutions. My experience in project management and meticulous documentation ensures the timely delivery of precise project outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey as a PHP Laravel Developer has been marked by continuous growth, technical proficiency, and a commitment to delivering high-quality web applications. I bring a wealth of experience in Laravel and a versatile skill set encompassing various web development technologies. My dedication to Test-Driven Development ensures the reliability of my work, and my adaptability and collaborative spirit make me a valuable asset to any development team.

I look forward to the opportunity to bring my expertise and passion for coding excellence to your organization, contributing to the success of your projects and team.

Canterbury Christchurch University - Digtial Media & Computing (BA/BSc)