Publication
A Guide to Performance Testing and Optimization With Python and Django
https://www.toptal.com/developers/python/performance-optimization-testing-django
Iulian is currently unavailable
Iulian Gulea
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Engineer and Developer
Chișinău, Chisinau, Moldova
Toptal member since August 4, 2017
Bio
Iulian has over 10 years of experience developing web projects of all sizes, from simple websites to complex SaaS products. Iulian has worked individually, in teams, and in big companies and startups. This diversity of experience has broadened his technical skillset, and his time as a corporate trainer has helped him develop strong communication and people skills.
Portfolio
Coqui
Python 3, Python, Django, Django REST Framework, PostgreSQL, React, Gatsby...
PepsiCo
Python, Django, Django REST Framework, React, Redux, D3.js, GitHub, Jira...
Open Ocean UK LLP
Data Visualization, JavaScript, D3.js, Tailwind CSS, Next.js, React, Git...
Experience
- Django - 13 years
- Python - 13 years
- JavaScript - 11 years
- APIs - 10 years
- D3.js - 8 years
- SQL - 7 years
- Angular - 5 years
- React - 5 years
Preferred Environment
Git, PyCharm, MacOS
The most amazing...
...thing I've coded is a hurricane simulation engine that generates hurricane paths based on historical data and animates them based on their characteristics.
Work Experience
Principal Full-stack Engineer
2023 - PRESENT
Coqui
- Improved task management on Redis to allow for better scheduling of Redis scaling.
- Implemented the script upload functionality to generate entire projects by uploading a file.
- Executed an abstraction over the existing business logic to allow for easier management of voices and characters in projects.
- Handled ongoing development and support for existing features.
Technologies: Python 3, Python, Django, Django REST Framework, PostgreSQL, React, Gatsby, WebSockets, GraphQL, TypeScript, JavaScript, Redis, Redis Queue, Tailwind CSS, Application State Management, Figma, Caching, Git, System Design, Apollo, Django ORM, SaaS, Back-end Development
Full-stack Developer (Django and React)
2020 - PRESENT
PepsiCo
- Optimized the loading time of the two main internal product pages from eight seconds to less than two seconds, from ten seconds to around 500 milliseconds, including a handful of minor optimizations on other pages for Project 1.
- Rewrote a Django application into a Restful API back end and React front end for Project 1.
- Integrated multi-tenancy and regionalization support into one of the existing products for Project 2.
- Planned and led the re-architecture of the entire data model of the platform, which led to a ten times speedup of some data-intensive computations and simplified the management of the product hierarchy in Project 2.
- Implemented an internal tool as part of the self-service support that allows users in their regions to define custom labeling of things on the platform for Project 2.
Technologies: Python, Django, Django REST Framework, React, Redux, D3.js, GitHub, Jira, PostgreSQL, TypeScript, JavaScript, Celery, CSS, HTML, APIs, RESTful Web Services, Full-stack, Software Design, Architecture, JSON, SQL, REST APIs, Unit Testing, Reports, Front-end, Docker, Agile, Back-end, Data Visualization, JavaScript Charting, Web Applications, Technical Leadership, Front-end Development, Cypress, UI Testing, QA Testing, UI Design, Testing, Webpack, User Interface (UI), Databases, Design Patterns, MVC Design, API Design, API Development, System Architecture, ECMAScript (ES6), Web Development, Full-stack Development, CI/CD Pipelines, Reporting, Microsoft Excel, Nivo, Multitenancy, REST, Team Leadership, Git, System Design, Data Analytics, Data Transformation, Web Scraping, Django ORM, Back-end Development
Front-end Developer
2023 - 2023
Open Ocean UK LLP
- Created a dashboard that allows exploration of startup funding based on various criteria.
- Developed and implemented a unique force-grouped-donut-bubble chart in D3.js.
- Implemented Figma designs to meet project objectives in a short period.
Technologies: Data Visualization, JavaScript, D3.js, Tailwind CSS, Next.js, React, Git, Data Analytics
Senior Software Engineer
2018 - 2020
Tremor Technologies, Inc.
- Developed a hurricane simulation engine based on historical data of over 100 years.
- Created an API to serve the hurricane data and all the relevant metadata of the generated hurricanes.
- Visualized and animated the generated hurricanes and the damages they have caused in real time.
- Created 80% of visualizations of the platform to help reveal the hidden insights in the generated data.
- Provided continuous implementation of features on the front end.
- Optimized the performance of heavy computation/heavy rendering front-end pages.
- Wrote, integrated, and optimized end-to-end tests in Jenkins.
Technologies: JavaScript, Jenkins, Mapbox, D3.js, PostGIS, PostgreSQL, Django REST Framework, Python, Angular, TypeScript, JSON, GIS, Unit Testing, Reports, Front-end, Agile, Data Visualization, JavaScript Charting, CSS, Web Applications, Technical Leadership, Front-end Development, Integration Testing, UI Testing, QA Testing, Node.js, HTML, Pandas, DataFrames, HTML5, Testing, Webpack, User Interface (UI), Databases, Design Patterns, Dashboards, API Design, Highcharts, Web Development, Canvas 2D, Visualization, GraphQL, Charts, REST APIs, Reporting, HTML Canvas, Dashboard Development, MUI CSS, REST, Team Leadership, Git, Chart.js, QGIS
Full-stack Web Developer
2017 - 2019
CodeFactory
- Integrated a secure trading payment provider into the legacy codebase.
- Integrated Hexopay payment provider into the legacy codebase.
- Improved performance of the public API by decreasing critical endpoints response time from 18 and 9 seconds to 6 and <200ms by means of optimizing SQL queries and code logic.
- Maintained the legacy codebase, implemented feature requests, and fixed bugs.
Technologies: JavaScript, Python 3, MySQL, Backbone.js, Django, Python, APIs, Full-stack, Leadership, JSON, SQL, REST APIs, Celery, Docker, Back-end, CSS, Jenkins, Integration Testing, QA Testing, HTML, UI Design, HTML5, Testing, Databases, MVC Design, Web Development, Full-stack Development, CI/CD Pipelines, DevOps, Automation, CSS Preprocessors, Caching, REST, Kubernetes, API Integration, Git, System Design, Integration, Redis, Django ORM, Back-end Development
Co-founder, CTO
2016 - 2019
GAUS
- Developed an online platform that automates the pre-screening step in a recruitment process. This was done by automatically analyzing applicant resumes and building and visualizing applicant profiles with suggested personalized questions to ask during the interview.
- Prototyped and developed a chatbot using Messenger API that integrated with our back end to gather, analyze, and offer job offer suggestions to potential candidates.
- Developed a web app that allowed users to build their "skill trees" that got matched against available job offers. The candidate received a list of job offers accompanied with a matching score on how good candidate's experience relates to the job description.
- Deployed the chatbot and the web app on DigitalOcean.
- Coordinated development process with two other developers.
Technologies: Python 3, Facebook Messenger API, PostgreSQL, D3.js, React, Django, Python, APIs, RESTful Web Services, Full-stack, Leadership, Software Design, Startups, Architecture, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), JSON, SQL, Amazon Web Services (AWS), REST APIs, Unit Testing, Reports, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Back-end, Pytest, Project Management, Data Visualization, JavaScript Charting, Technical Leadership, Front-end Development, QA Testing, Graphic Design, Web Design, Pandas, Design, Amazon RDS, Testing, User Experience (UX), Databases, Design Patterns, CTO, API Design, API Development, System Architecture, Web Development, Full-stack Development, Proof of Concept (POC), Visualization, DevOps, Automation, Dashboard Development, MUI CSS, REST, Team Leadership, API Integration, Git, System Design, Data Transformation, Scrapy, Beautiful Soup, Integration, Bots, Django ORM, SaaS, Back-end Development, Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)
Founder
2016 - 2016
HoP Games
- Developed an infinite runner mobile game in Corona SDK that was published on Play Market.
- Developed an educational mobile game to be published on Play Market.
Technologies: Phaser.io, Corona SDK, JavaScript, Lua, Graphic Design, Jest
CTO
2015 - 2016
Spark Research Labs
- Developed a cloud-based inventory management solution designed to assist in the management of warehouse stocks throughout the supply chain.
- Designed the architecture and partially worked on a schema-based multitenant SaaS application for accounting at SMEs with a RESTful API on the back end and a single-page application on the front end.
- Worked on a SaaS marketing platform for computing the net promoter score (NPS) for products and services. The platform had several user roles for data collection as well as data aggregation and visualization.
- Coordinated and coached a team of three developers.
- Developed the technical agenda and coordinated the trainers and mentors team of a two-week-long summer camp: GirlsGoIT. The camp's goal was to educate and raise awareness of young girls in the IT domain.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), MySQL, Python 3, Web Services Description Language (WSDL), SOAP, D3.js, AngularJS, JavaScript, Django REST Framework, Django, Python, APIs, Full-stack, Leadership, Software Design, Startups, Architecture, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), SQL, REST APIs, Unit Testing, Front-end, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Back-end, Project Management, Data Visualization, JavaScript Charting, CSS, Web Applications, Technical Leadership, Front-end Development, Integration Testing, HTML, Design, Amazon RDS, Design Patterns, MVC Design, Amazon EC2, Angular, CTO, API Design, API Development, Swagger, System Architecture, ECMAScript (ES6), Web Development, Full-stack Development, Proof of Concept (POC), Visualization, DevOps, CSS Preprocessors, AWS Cloud Architecture, Charts, Reporting, Microsoft Excel, Open Office, Multitenancy, REST, Team Leadership, Git, System Design, Data Analytics, Data Transformation, Integration, Django ORM, SaaS, Back-end Development
Speakers' Coach
2014 - 2016
TEDxChisinau
- Coached local and international speakers for TEDxChisinau events.
- Provided feedback on the structure and presentations of speakers during the preparation process.
- Organized and co-hosted four TEDx conferences.
Technologies: Microsoft PowerPoint
Web Developer, Corporate Trainer
2010 - 2015
Orange
- Created an internal platform for the entire sales department that aggregates and visualizes quantitative and qualitative sales data and generates relevant reports for the sales management team.
- Wrote Excel VBA scripts that automated report generation, reducing time from 16 to 1 hour required per report.
- Developed a desktop application that reduced the time needed to find required archived documents with products and procedures information by 70%.
- Supported an e-learning platform for testing the knowledge of sales employees.
- Delivered training on soft skills for company employees and middle management.
Technologies: Python 3, MySQL, Google Chart API, D3.js, jQuery, JavaScript, Django, Python, Full-stack, Software Design, Architecture, SQL, CSS, Windows, Software Architecture, Visualization, Charts, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Dashboard Development
Experience
My DataViz Profile
A personal page that reflects my abilities and knowledge about data visualization and that showcases some of the projects I have done in that area.
Data Science Moldova Community
Organized five events in which were discussed various topics related to data science and machine learning. For four out of five events, I delivered presentations on machine learning algorithms (regression, random forest, etc.) as well as facilitated the discussion groups during each event and presented the AI news block during each event.
Textury
Textury is a tool for analyzing any body of text on the subject of emotional component and how exactly the speaker/writer uses emotions to make their point.
Satellizer
Satellizer is a tool to visualize eleven years of satellite launches, as well as to gain insights on the uses and users of satellites.
Heroes of Programming Blog
A blog about programming in which the basic building blocks of a programming language and principles of programming are represented as heroes.
The reader can gain insights on how some basic things work as well as take quizzes and read interviews with developers from around the world.
The reader can gain insights on how some basic things work as well as take quizzes and read interviews with developers from around the world.
GCleaner
A web app that allows for easier inbox management of unread emails. The app connects to the user's GMail account and allows them to manage unread emails in bulk.
Rust-charts
https://github.com/askanium/rustplotlibA pure Rust visualization library inspired by D3.js.
If Words Were Leaves
An algorithm that transforms text into growing leaves. I built it with Django, React, Go, and D3.js and deployed it to Google Cloud.
The leaf generation happens based on the unique characteristics of each word. The user can select various styles of the final poster.
The leaf generation happens based on the unique characteristics of each word. The user can select various styles of the final poster.
Personal Blog
https://iuliangulea.comDiscover the fascinating world of human cognition and personal growth through this insightful blog. Immerse yourself in a collection of captivating articles that delve into brain function, learning, and mastery across various domains. Uncover the secrets to unlocking your potential and nurturing self-improvement.
Dex Aggregator
I worked on a maximization algorithm to return the optimal amount of output tokens given an initial amount of input tokens and desired DEXes to participate in the exchange.
The algorithm can consider paths that use proxy tokens, meaning that if a user wants to exchange 100 USDC to ETH, it will consider USDC -> USDT -> ETH paths as well, in case the output for that path is better than directly exchanging USDC -> ETH.
The algorithm can consider paths that use proxy tokens, meaning that if a user wants to exchange 100 USDC to ETH, it will consider USDC -> USDT -> ETH paths as well, in case the output for that path is better than directly exchanging USDC -> ETH.
Education
2006 - 2010
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Technical University of Moldova - Republic of Moldova
Certifications
SEPTEMBER 2018 - PRESENT
Smart Contracts Developer
Consensys Academy
Skills
Libraries/APIs
REST APIs, React, D3.js, JavaScript Charting, Django ORM, Pandas, jQuery, Vue, Node.js, API Development, Highcharts, Gmail API, Chart.js, Google API, Beautiful Soup, Facebook Messenger API, Backbone.js, Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK), React Redux, NumPy, Scikit-learn, Google Chart API, Matplotlib, Restangular, Web3.js, Redis Queue
Tools
Git, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Celery, PyCharm, Photoshop CS6, Slack, Trello, GIS, Pytest, Webpack, Canvas 2D, Open Office, Docker Compose, Microsoft PowerPoint, Jenkins, Gulp, Webpack 2, Seaborn, GitHub, Canvas, Jira, Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), Plotly, Auth0, Figma, Google Analytics
Languages
SQL, CSS, HTML, Python 3, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, ECMAScript (ES6), XML, Solidity, HTML5, GraphQL, Hugo, Python 2, Web Services Description Language (WSDL), Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Lua, Rust, Go, R
Frameworks
Redux, Django, Angular, Tailwind CSS, Flask, Django REST Framework, OAuth 2, MUI CSS, Scrapy, Material UI, Phaser.io, Corona SDK, AngularJS, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), Cypress, Next.js, Swagger, Jest
Paradigms
REST, Unit Testing, MVC Design, Testing, Agile, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), UI Design, Design Patterns, DevOps, Test-driven Development (TDD), RESTful Development, Functional Programming, Scrum, Automation
Platforms
Ubuntu, Docker, Windows, Linux Mint, Linux, Blockchain, MacOS, Kubernetes, Google App Engine, Web, Amazon EC2, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Mapbox, DigitalOcean, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Netlify, WordPress, Shopify, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Storage
Redis, MySQL, PostgreSQL, JSON, Databases, Google Cloud Storage, MongoDB, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), PostGIS, NoSQL, Google Cloud
Industry Expertise
Project Management, Web Design
Other
Full-stack, Back-end, Back-end Development, APIs, Software Engineering, Charts, Data Visualization, RESTful Web Services, Architecture, Reports, Front-end, Web Applications, Technical Leadership, Front-end Development, Dashboards, Web Development, Full-stack Development, Proof of Concept (POC), Visualization, Reporting, Dashboard Development, Caching, Multitenancy, Team Leadership, API Integration, System Design, Integration, SaaS, CTO, SVG, Leadership, Software Design, Startups, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Cryptography, Integration Testing, QA Testing, Graphic Design, FastAPI, DataFrames, Design, User Interface (UI), API Design, System Architecture, CSS Preprocessors, HTML Canvas, Data Analytics, Data Transformation, Apollo, Bots, Algorithms, Material Design, DApps, Ethereum Smart Contracts, Cloud, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Web Scraping, SOAP, Machine Learning, Data Science, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Chatbots, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence (AI), UI Testing, SEO Tools, Chrome Extensions, Amazon RDS, Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), User Experience (UX), Writing & Editing, Crypto, Software Architecture, CI/CD Pipelines, AWS Cloud Architecture, Nivo, Gatsby, WebSockets, Application State Management, QGIS, Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)
Collaboration That Works
How to Work with Toptal
Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.
1
Share your needs
Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert.
2
Choose your talent
Get a short list of expertly matched talent within 24 hours to review, interview, and choose from.
3
Start your risk-free talent trial
Work with your chosen talent on a trial basis for up to two weeks. Pay only if you decide to hire them.
Top talent is in high demand.
Start hiring