Hello! I'm André Machado, a software engineer born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal. My journey in technology began with a deep curiosity about how digital systems work, which has since evolved into a passion for web development, systems programming, and the intersection of technology with human experience.
Background & Journey
My path into programming wasn't linear. It started with childhood fascination with computers and grew through years of tinkering, learning, and building. What began as curiosity about "how things work" evolved into a career dedicated to creating software that makes a difference.
Growing up in Lisbon gave me a unique perspective on technology's role in connecting cultures and bridging geographical divides. This has influenced my approach to software development—I believe technology should be accessible, inclusive, and serve human needs rather than the other way around.
Technical Expertise
My professional interests span across various domains of computer science, with particular focus on:
- Web Technologies: Building modern, performant web applications using vanilla JavaScript, progressive enhancement, and semantic HTML/CSS
- Systems Programming: Low-level programming, understanding how software interacts with hardware, and optimizing for performance
- Software Architecture: Designing scalable, maintainable systems that can evolve with changing requirements
- Open Source Development: Contributing to and maintaining open source projects that benefit the broader community
- Linux/UNIX Systems: Deep familiarity with UNIX-like operating systems, shell scripting, and system administration
I enjoy tackling complex problems and creating elegant, efficient solutions. My approach emphasizes simplicity, readability, and pragmatism—I believe the best code is code that others can understand and maintain.
Philosophy & Approach
I'm a strong advocate for the UNIX philosophy: do one thing and do it well. This principle guides not just my coding practices, but my approach to problem-solving in general. I believe in building tools that are composable, predictable, and focused.
In an era of increasing complexity in software development, I find value in understanding fundamentals. While frameworks and tools come and go, core principles of computer science, solid engineering practices, and clear thinking remain constant.
I'm particularly interested in the democratization of technology—making powerful tools accessible to everyone, not just those with extensive technical backgrounds. This drives my work on projects like educational tools and community-driven platforms.
Beyond Code
When I'm not immersed in code, you'll find me with my nose in a book. I'm an avid reader with diverse interests spanning Philosophy, History, Computer Science, and Literature. These explorations outside the realm of technology provide me with fresh perspectives that I bring back to my technical work.
I'm particularly drawn to works that explore the relationship between technology and society, the history of scientific thought, and philosophical questions about consciousness and existence. Recent reads include works on systems thinking, the philosophy of science, and explorations of what it means to be human in an increasingly digital world.
Writing is another passion of mine. Sometimes I write about technical topics, sharing knowledge and insights from my experiences. Other times, I explore ideas inspired by books I've read and the questions they raise. This blog serves as a space where I document this journey of continuous learning and reflection.
I also enjoy long walks, especially in Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, where the contrast between ancient architecture and modern life provides endless inspiration for thinking about how technology fits into the human experience.
Values & Principles
- Open Source: I believe in the power of collaborative development and knowledge sharing
- Privacy & Freedom: Technology should empower users, not surveil or manipulate them
- Accessibility: Good software works for everyone, regardless of technical expertise or physical capabilities
- Continuous Learning: The field evolves rapidly; staying curious and adaptable is essential
- Community: Building inclusive communities where people can learn, share, and grow together
Let's Connect
I'm always open to interesting conversations, collaborations, and opportunities to learn. Whether you're interested in discussing technology, philosophy, book recommendations, or potential projects, I'd love to hear from you.
Feel free to reach out through any of the channels below. I particularly enjoy conversations about the intersection of technology and humanity, the future of computing, or recommendations for thought-provoking books.
If you're working on something that aligns with open source principles, user empowerment, or educational technology, I'm especially interested in hearing about it.