I have had the privilege of being a part of the R&D Team at the esteemed Polytechnic University of Cartagena, contributing to a year-long investigative project within the Information Technology Unit. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my current skill set, encompassing invaluable lessons and insights.
Notably, I acquired profound knowledge in effective teamwork, collaborating closely with a talented group of developers. Our collective efforts were focused on fostering an environment of innovative ideation, streamlined task allocation, and efficient work division. Additionally, my exposure to the SCRUM methodology has honed my ability to collaborate seamlessly and strategize effectively, ensuring the successful execution of project objectives.
Furthermore, my time at the university afforded me the opportunity to delve deeper into crucial programming concepts, including the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) and KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principles. I also gained a comprehensive understanding of defensive programming techniques, emphasizing the significance of guard clauses, as well as the pivotal role of comprehensive documentation in ensuring code stability and maintainability, among other best practices.
Languages I've used
Our backend architecture was meticulously crafted using Laravel 8, complemented by the seamless integration of Laravel Blade for streamlined templating. Additionally, I spearheaded the development of bespoke Vue 3 components, seamlessly integrated into the Laravel Blade templates, enhancing the overall user experience and interface interactivity.
In terms of design, we employed a fusion of Bootstrap 5 for its responsive framework, harmoniously balanced with custom SCSS for a personalized touch, ensuring a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that resonated with our target audience.
Concluding the project, we employed Oracle 12c as our robust and reliable Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), facilitating efficient data management and seamless information retrieval, thereby fortifying the project's stability and scalability.
Overview of the sites I've developed
Working here has given me the possibility to work on some of the most important websites of the university, such as the Admission or Studies websites, and the websites of various departments and units. Here's a full list of these sites:
Dynamic Template System
In these projects, I conceptualized and implemented a sophisticated dynamic template system, seamlessly bridging the university's proprietary Content Management System (CMS) with Laravel's Blade templates, effectively functioning as dynamic widgets.
This innovative solution empowered non-technical personnel to construct feature-rich websites, integrating database connections and APIs, with minimal to no prerequisite knowledge of coding. A notable illustration of the system's efficacy can be found in the Studies website, where extensive information pertaining to study plans, timetables, professorships, legal documentation, and guides is dynamically fetched from the university's database. Remarkably, the entire site can be managed with the simplicity akin to editing a Microsoft Word document.
Design Principles
A key aspect of my role entailed strategizing, conceptualizing, and executing projects in alignment with the university's designated design principles. This responsibility provided a stimulating opportunity to refine my adaptive capabilities, enabling me to adhere to established frameworks while nurturing a mindset conducive to innovative thinking.
Moreover, each website was meticulously crafted with a steadfast commitment to fostering accessibility, ensuring inclusivity and ease of use for a diverse user base. This concerted effort underscored my dedication to creating digital solutions that prioritize user-centric experiences and accommodate a wide spectrum of users.