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Hello World, my name is

Devon Gifford.

Self taught software engineer with a strong focus on frontend development. I specialize in crafting web and mobile applications using React & TypeScript.
Leveraging my background in Marketing and experience in Software Testing at a renowned FAANG company, my approach brings a unique perspective that prioritizes clean and reliable code.
Fully committed to the philosophy of lifelong learning.
Capstone Projects

0.1. About me

profilepicture

Hello there, I'm a fullstack developer. Originally from South Africa, holding British citizenship and now currently based in Madrid, Spain.

I have 5 years of experience in the tech industry, including stints at various startups. I specialize in developing responsive and accessible web applications using JavaScript & React.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to join a leading FAANG company as a Quality Engineer, and later advanced to the role of Team Lead. Immersing myself in big-tech best practices, with a specific focus on E2E & integration testing.

Currently, I am transitioning my career back into web development.

Devon Gifford - Profile picture

Hard Skills:

  • TypeScript
  • NextJS
  • Jest
  • PlayWright
  • React
  • Tailwind
  • Docker
  • Redux
  • JavaScript
  • Vite
  • NodeJS
  • Python

Exploring:

  • Remix
  • Neovim
  • Electron

02. Where I have worked

  • Cognizant
    Team-lead
  • Cognizant
  • Mashauri Limited
    Start-up
  • Out-of-the-Cube
    Start-up
  • Freelance

Team Lead

@ Cognizant / Apple  

June 2022 - Jan 2023

Promoted to a team lead position, along with and on top of my Engineering responsibilities. My role involved actively supporting managers and overseeing the operations of multiple teams.

  •  Assisting and supporting managers:
    Collaborating closely with managers to provide seamless assistance and support in their day-to-day responsibilities, ensuring efficient workflow and effective team coordination.
  •  Coordinating and reviewing tasks:
    Taking charge of task coordination and reviewing processes across multiple teams, ensuring that high quality standards were met while adhering to deadlines. This involved meticulous monitoring of progress and providing guidance to team members to ensure successful project completion.
  •  Providing clear instructions and guidance:
    Offering comprehensive instructions and guidance to the team, effectively communicating new tasks, objectives, and performance expectations. This ensured that team members had the necessary direction and resources to accomplish their roles effectively.
  •  Reporting progress to management:
    Regularly updating management on project progress, highlighting achievements, addressing challenges, and reporting any issues encountered. This facilitated informed decision-making and proactive problem-solving.
  •  Facilitating onboarding and performance feedback:
    Assisting in the smooth onboarding process for new team members, ensuring a seamless transition and supporting their integration into the team. Additionally, providing constructive performance feedback to both management and team members, recognizing accomplishments and identifying areas for improvement.

03. Portfolio Projects

Featured Project

Flatmate Finder

A real world personal project designed to streamline the search for a flatmate. Through a simple form, applicants submit their details, allowing existing tenants to review them in a Tinder style swipe interface

  • Vite
  • TypeScript
  • ShadCN
  • Firebase
  • Vitest

Featured Project

ClearScore Ideaboard

A time-constrained frontend assessment for ClearScore. Developed within 6 to 8 hours, it utilizes modern technologies like Tailwind CSS and ShadCN UI Library for rapid development. Prioritized simplicity, accessibility, and thorough testing.

  • PostgreSQL
  • Supabase
  • TypeScript
  • Tailwind

Featured Project

Thymia 2-back game

A gamified version of the 2-back task, a cognitive test designed to measure working memory. Users are presented with a sequence of letters and must determine if the current letter matches the one presented two trials before.

  • Next14
  • Event-Logger
  • Tailwind
  • TypeScript
  • Jest

Featured Project

Dev Ready

An open source fullstack initiative, inspired by ZTM, designed to create an engaging interactive quiz platform for students. The project aims to empower learning through gamification and dynamic features.

  • Next14
  • TypeScript
  • Tailwind
  • Jest
  • PlayWright

Other Noteworthy Projects

FlipDish

Frontend Technical Assessment: Implement server-side data fetching to present JSON data as a restaurant menu, including some sneaky twists.

  • API
  • NextJs
  • TypeScript
  • Vitest

NextLane

Backend Technical Assessment: My solution for implementing a client-side caching layer, using JavaScript as requested.

  • Backend
  • ttl-cache
  • JavaScript

InCard

Frontend Technical Assessment: Develop a web application that demonstrates authentication functionality using JWT tokens

  • NextJS
  • TypeScript
  • Jest
  • NextAuth

Restful API

Simple and efficient way to handle HTTP requests and interact with a MongoDB database, following modern and best practices.

  • TypeScript
  • Express
  • MongoDB

Devotion

A fullstack web application designed to replicate the seamless functionality of Notion, utilizing real-time database & recursive components

  • NextJs
  • TypeScript
  • Convex
  • Zustand

BulkBasics

A fullstack e-commerce platform focusing on business logic and functionality, integrating various technologies.

  • Vite
  • TypeScript
  • Stripe
  • Redux

04. What's Next?

Let's get in touch

My inbox is always open and looking for new opportunities
Whether you have a question or just want to say hi, I'll do my best to get back to you!

Built from scratch by Devon Gifford
Inspired by Brittany Chiang