Hey, I'm Clifford 👋

Click Me!
Self proclaimed developer extrodinaire 🕺

About myself

Hey there! I'm Clifford, a passionate software developer hailing from the beautiful landscapes of South Africa. I've embarked on an exciting journey of self-discovery and learning in the world of software development, and I'm thrilled to share a bit about myself with you.

My fascination with the endless possibilities of code began with a humble experiment in the world of Minecraft. Armed with Command Blocks, I dove headfirst into the realm of game development, weaving intricate logic and mechanics into the game. It was here that the spark of programming ignited within me.

When I'm not immersed in lines of code, you'll often find me shuffling decks in a game of Magic the Gathering or staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends. The ever-evolving landscape of technology never fails to amaze and inspire me.

But there's another side to me that might surprise you. Amidst the lines of code and the world of gaming, I have a deep appreciation for the raw energy and emotion of death metal music. It's the perfect soundtrack for diving deep into complex coding challenges or facing down formidable foes in the gaming world.

As a native of South Africa, I carry with me the rich cultural tapestry of this diverse nation, and I'm proud to be a part of this vibrant community of creators and innovators.

email clifford@softwxre.io language LinkedIn language Github language X (Twitter) language Itch

Indie game dev since

2015 ☕

Currently in progress 👷

AWS Certified

>5 years experience in

Python 🐍

I'm basically a nerd 🤓

Magic the Gathering

Projects

Dungeon crawling meets spell slinging 🧙

Suddenfell

Gamedev Java

language itch.io

Development began March 2021
Launched March 2022
Content update on the way soon!


While visually deceptive, Suddenfell has a ton of complex systems beneath it that needed to be built by hand using pure Java.
The game itself focuses on procedural chunk generation with a turn-based combat system supported by cards and decks that can be made by the player.

Development of the game has been a massive beneficial challenge and learning experience. Everything from the art, to figuring out how to handle procedural chunk generation, to a custom lighting system, to a per character animation system, to avoiding scope creep as much as possible has contributed largely to how I view projects today.

Connecting the Unconnected

Qeelo

DevOps Sysadmin

language qeelo.co.za

Development began September 2021
Launched December 2021
Project finalised January 2023


With a close friend we created a Startup with the aim of providing WhatsApp business chat services to supermarkets in impoverished areas in South Africa. The aim was to provide a safe way for customers of a supermarket to be able to view pricing and pamphlets during Covid lockdowns.

My role was as the sole developer and systems engineer for the entire platform. We quickly had a small fleet of servers sharing load on handling messages, broadcasts, databases, and a user facing control panel. Live chat was later implemented via the client control panel so customers of the supermarkets could interact with the supermarket themselves.

At one point we boasted securely patched servers with a 100% service uptime over a span of 8 months while having delivered close to 1.5 million messages.

Flexing my design muscles

AHIT

UX + UI Design Web Dev

language ahit.co.za

Development began on November 2019
Development completed on January 2020


When a close friend of mine started his new company, All Hours IT, he was in need of a website that would represent his business. I set out to design, develop and host a website in roughly the space of 3 months. The website also needed a safe and secure contact form, which was why I ended up using Python for the backend to dispatch mail.

Where I fell in love with Game Dev

Ladder Goat 2

Gamedev Java

Development began January 2016
Launched May 2016
Final content update pushed October 2016


Fresh off my Java development short course (by about 4 months), I released the sequel to Ladder Goat 1, a minigame style game for Android. Since it was my second release I managed to pick up new skills such as properly globally scaling pixel art, including Google Play Games Achievements, and rewriting and implementing a proper UI and UX.

Ladder Goat 2 managed to get about 1500 downloads in its lifetime.

Work

Working as an IT Support Engineer 👨‍💻

European
Space
Agency

Began April 2019
Currently employed here


As an IT Support Engineer at the European Space Agency, I hold a multifaceted role that combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities. My primary function involves providing essential IT support to the organization, ensuring the smooth operation of hardware and software systems. However, my contributions extend beyond traditional IT support.

One of my notable achievements is the development of a sophisticated Business Intelligence platform. This platform enables the generation of insightful reports by harnessing data from our team's hardware replacements. This innovation enhances decision-making processes by providing valuable insights and analytics.

During the extensive two-and-a-half-year Office365 migration project, I assumed the role of a Senior Technician. This role not only required technical proficiency but also leadership skills. I actively engaged with users, addressing their concerns and ensuring a seamless transition to the new platform. My leadership abilities played a crucial role in the project's success.

Additionally, I have acquired extensive expertise in Mac troubleshooting, owing to my in-depth knowledge of UNIX-based operating systems. This proficiency has been instrumental in resolving complex technical issues efficiently and effectively.

In summary, my role at the European Space Agency is characterized by a blend of IT support, leadership, and innovation. I contribute to the organization's success by providing technical solutions, facilitating smooth migrations, and leveraging my expertise to enhance our operations.

Helpdesk Support and Installation Technician 👨‍💻

Maxitec

Began February 2014
Moved on February 2019


I worked at Maxitec, a reputable internet service provider in South Africa, with a rich history dating back to 1998. During my time there, I wore multiple hats, serving as a troubleshooter for various technical issues, overseeing installations, and even developing small software tools to enhance the company's operations. Maxitec also supported my educational pursuits, allowing me to further my knowledge and skills. It was a dynamic and rewarding experience, contributing to the company's mission of delivering internet services directly to end-users in South Africa.

Other stuff

Completed my first edX course

Python Basics for Data Science

Began April 2023, completed May 2023
The beginning of my software dev journey

Introduction to Java

Began March 2015, completed October 2015

Work together?

clifford@softwxre.io, LinkedIn, Github, X (Twitter), Itch