About Me #

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I'm italian ;) I was born in Milan, and I spent most of my life there, at the moment I'm based in Spain.

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I'm fluent in english, spanish, catalan and italian of course, I can understand a little bit of french, but unfortunately I can't speak it.

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I have studied in a unique italian college (liceo classico) with a strong focus on Humanities and I'm graduated in Philosophy at the University of Milan. I consider this to be a great advantage for me, rather than a problem ;)

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Versatile Software Development Experience Across Diverse Companies

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of environments, ranging from consultancy firms and data visualization agencies to dynamic startups, scaling medium to large enterprises, and even in large corporate settings. This diverse exposure has enriched my professional experience and adaptability.

Frontend Expertise with a Taste for Backend Development

My primary expertise lies in frontend development, where I have extensively worked with JavaScript and ClojureScript, exploring various libraries and frameworks over the years. However, my skills are not confined to the frontend. I also possess substantial experience in backend development, particularly with PHP, and have delved into basic infrastructure management on AWS.

Software Craftsmanship: My Approach to Development

I think of myself as a Software Craftsman: deeply committed to writing clean and maintainable code. Testing is a fundamental part of my development process, and I am proficient in writing various types of tests, including unit, integration, and end-to-end tests. This rigorous approach ensures that the code not only meets its functional requirements but also maintains high-quality standards.

Collaborative and Independent: Adaptable Working Styles

In terms of collaboration, I am as comfortable with pair programming as I am with independently focusing on feature development. This flexibility allows me to adapt to different team dynamics and project requirements effectively.

Agile Methodologies: A Familiar Terrain

I am well-versed in various Agile methodologies, understanding the nuances and best practices of each. This familiarity enables me to integrate smoothly into different project management frameworks, contributing effectively to the team's workflow.

I love functional programming: for some reasons my brain is wired to understand better functional programming than object orientation. I have professional experience with Clojure and ClojureScript and I have played in my spare time with Elm and ReasonML too and when I write JavaScript I try to use its functional core.

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I love to play the electric guitar

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I like to train with the kettlebells

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I practice brazilian jiu-jitsu, at the moment I'm a blue belt

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In my spare time I enjoy to get lost on secondary roads/trails with my motorbike (a beautiful Aprilia Tuareg 660 ;)

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I'm looking forward to collaborate with you soon!

From Humanities to Coding

Early Education and Love for Humanities

My name is Gabriele, and I was born in Milan, Italy. My journey into the world of coding started unconventionally, rooted deeply in the Humanities. I spent most of my high school and academic years focusing on Philosophy, Physics, Mathematics, Literature, Chemistry, and ancient languages at a unique Italian college known as "Liceo Classico". Those years were transformative, thanks to passionate professors who instilled in me a deep appreciation for the Humanities. This foundation not only enriched my curiosity but also shaped my critical thinking skills, essential in my later career. Any working day I appreciate that forma mentis, because writing code is first of all a matter of thought, and when we design system, at the end of the day we're just creating a huge narration that hopefully is coherent and makes sense, to ourselves and our fellows human beings/software developers.

Transition to Technology

It was during my university time at the University of Milan, pursuing Philosophy, that I discovered my interest in technology. An intriguing suggestion from my father to create a bootable USB with Linux opened a new world for me. This experience was a revelation, highlighting the importance of technological literacy and the broader implications of free software. Following this epiphany, I delved into the world of web development, starting with basic HTML sites. The satisfaction of deploying my first static website was immense, marking the beginning of my never-ending coding journey.

Professional Shift to IT

After obtaining my Master's Degree in Philosophy, I contemplated pursuing a PhD. However, my burgeoning passion for software led me to a significant career shift. I decided to venture into the unknown realm of IT, armed with my foundational experience in web development and Linux.

Early Career Path

My first professional step was an internship at Fincons Group in Milan, where I learned about SQL databases and enterprise applications using Java and Oracle. Although I progressed well, I realized my role was veering more towards analysis than development. Seeking a hands-on coding experience, I enrolled in a bootcamp, which turned out to be one of the best decisions of my career. Not only did I learn extensively, but I also formed lasting friendships and connections. Winning a scholarship at the bootcamp's conclusion, I immediately started working as a Junior Frontend Developer at a startup, where I fell in love with frontend development.

Diverse Experiences in Data Visualization and Software Development

My next venture was with a data visualization agency, where I honed my skills in React and D3, participating in exciting projects. However, to further develop foundational software development skills, I joined the Software Craftsman Apprentice program at Codurance in Barcelona. This experience was invaluable, learning TDD, XP, and software design from passionate and skilled mentors.

Full-Stack Development and Exploration of AI

Later, I joined LifullConnect, delving into full-stack development with PHP, JavaScript, React, and ClojureScript libraries. This role was challenging, with a focus on extreme programming and TDD in a remote setting, which eventually led to "zoom fatigue". Seeking new challenges, I moved to Artificial Solutions, assisting in the migration of their services to a SaaS model. Here, I helped bootstrap a new UI platform using React, Redux-Toolkit, and yFiles for rendering complex flowcharts.

A Shift to ClojureScript and Consulting

My growing interest in functional programming led me to ClojureScript. I joined Pitch, gaining valuable experience in Clojure/ClojureScript, only to face a layoff six months later. This turn of events presented an opportunity to start my career as an independent consultant.

Looking Forward

As I continue this journey, my love for Clojure and functional programming remains strong, although I'm open to exploring various languages. I've learned that embracing change and continuous learning is crucial in this ever-evolving field.

For a more detailed view of my professional journey and projects, please visit my CV page.

I am Gabriele, originally from Milan, Italy, and my journey into coding is rooted in a Humanities background. I studied at "Liceo Classico" and the University of Milan, focusing on subjects like Philosophy, Physics, and Literature. My interest in technology started with an introduction to Linux, which sparked a passion for software development after completing my Master's in Philosophy.

I began my professional journey with an internship at a consultancy company, where I learned about databases and enterprise applications. However, wanting to focus more on development, I joined a bootcamp, leading to various roles in startups and data visualization agencies. This experience enhanced my skills in frontend development, React, and D3.

Throughout my career, I've constantly sought to grow and adapt, transitioning from full-stack roles to specializing in ClojureScript and functional programming. My path has been unconventional, merging a deep appreciation for Humanities with a passion for technology and coding.