Christian Balola, Developer in Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
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Christian Balola

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Software Developer

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda

Toptal member since September 16, 2022

Expertise
Full-stackBack-end DevelopersFront-endJavaScriptNode.jsREST APIGitFlutterVue.jsTypeScriptDartWeb DevelopmentCode Review
Bio

Christian is a versatile software engineer with over six years of experience building mobile, web, and desktop apps and REST and GraphQL APIs. He has developed secure, high-performance Node.js back-end apps and scalable, modular, and documented Flutter apps for startups, large enterprises, and his own entrepreneurial initiatives. Christian loves watching adult sitcoms and reading about physics and software development. He occasionally writes technical articles that he publishes on his blog.

Portfolio

Posto-Social Inc.
Flutter, Dart, Firebase, Node.js, Cloud Firestore, TypeScript, React, Figma...
Unlimitix
NestJS, Socket.IO, Flutter, Node.js, TypeScript, Express.js, Dart, TypeORM...
Les Belles Combines, Inc.
JavaScript, Flutter, React Native, Node.js, Machine Learning, iOS, Android...

Experience

  • JavaScript - 7 years
  • Node.js - 6 years
  • Electron - 5 years
  • Vue - 4 years
  • TypeScript - 4 years
  • Flutter - 4 years
  • Dart - 3 years
  • NestJS - 3 years

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Node.js, JavaScript, Flutter, NestJS, Vue, React, TypeScript, Dart

The most amazing...

...product I've built is OmniGym, a fitness platform currently used by a few thousand users.

Work Experience

Flutter Developer

2023 - 2024
Posto-Social Inc.
  • Re-designed and developed the social media app Posto Social, then Posto Cal, and helped prepare the company to collect data and raise over 100+ seed capital.
  • Tracked and fixed bugs using ClickUp as a tasks management platform.
  • Oversaw deployment and launch process, resulting in over 500+ downloads.
Technologies: Flutter, Dart, Firebase, Node.js, Cloud Firestore, TypeScript, React, Figma, Back-end Development, Front-end

Lead Flutter Developer

2022 - 2024
Unlimitix
  • Built the back end of the company's main product, a nutrition coaching app.
  • Created the nutrition coaching mobile app using Flutter and Dart.
  • Transformed Figma UI designs and requirements on ClickUp for working features and app screens.
  • Refactored the previous codebase and introduced cleaner software development practices.
Technologies: NestJS, Socket.IO, Flutter, Node.js, TypeScript, Express.js, Dart, TypeORM, PostgreSQL, APIs, GitLab CI/CD, JSON, REST APIs, Push Notifications, Chatbots, CI/CD Pipelines, Unit Testing, REST, Mobile Applications, Mobile Apps, Full-stack, Mobile App Development, SQL, Object-relational Mapping (ORM), Back-end, Jest, MongoDB, Code Review, Team Management, Software Architecture, Mobile, Architecture, Axios, Mobile Development, Web & Mobile Applications, Team Leadership, Quasar, Solution Architecture, Git, Cross-platform, Python, API Gateways, Front-end Development, DevOps, Vuex, Figma, Back-end Development, Front-end

Software Architect and Full-stack Developer

2023 - 2023
Les Belles Combines, Inc.
  • Developed a task management app that allows family members to create, assign, and track their household tasks, manage the household members, and more.
  • Set up the whole technical infrastructure, including setting up a stable back end using DigitalOcean and integrating CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and GitHub workflows.
  • Oversaw the release process to beta testers selected by the company to validate its product concept.
Technologies: JavaScript, Flutter, React Native, Node.js, Machine Learning, iOS, Android, API Gateways, DevOps, Figma, Back-end Development, Front-end

Senior Flutter Developer

2022 - 2023
The Forward Thinking Company
  • Contributed to building features in the company's main client app during its early stages.
  • Tracked and fixed bugs using Monday and Firebase Crashlytics as reporting tools.
  • Worked on UI/UX improvement features resulting in easier usage by the company's first client.
Technologies: Flutter, Dart, Firebase, Mobile App Development, Software Architecture, Mobile, Mobile Development, Web & Mobile Applications, Git, Cross-platform, API Gateways, Front-end Development, DevOps, Back-end Development, Front-end

Co-founder | CEO | Lead Software Engineer

2020 - 2022
Isharc
  • Set the standards, chose the technologies to be used, performed testing, and built software prototypes.
  • Managed software projects, setting tasks and assigning them to the team.
  • Contributed to clients' software projects and reviewed the code written by the team.
  • Developed the company's internal software products, including a real estate platform already serving a few hundred customers.
  • Managed the overall operating and management strategies for the advancement of the company.
Technologies: Node.js, NestJS, Flutter, Vue, Electron, TypeScript, Express.js, Dart, Android, iOS, TypeORM, PostgreSQL, Microservices, APIs, GraphQL, GitLab CI/CD, JSON, REST APIs, Push Notifications, Firebase, ESLint, NoSQL, CSS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Cloud Firestore, Web3.js, CI/CD Pipelines, Unit Testing, REST, Mobile Applications, Mobile Apps, HTML, Nuxt.js, Desktop App Development, Full-stack, Redux, Mobile App Development, SQL, Object-relational Mapping (ORM), Back-end, Jest, MongoDB, Code Review, Team Management, Software Architecture, Mobile, Architecture, Web Development, Axios, Mobile Development, Stripe, Fintech, Web & Mobile Applications, Team Leadership, Quasar, Solution Architecture, Git, Cross-platform, AWS Lambda, API Gateways, Front-end Development, DevOps, Vuex, FlutterFlow, Front-end

Software Engineer

2019 - 2021
Freelance
  • Worked on several contracting jobs for different businesses.
  • Developed a school report translator used by a translation company.
  • Built many applications, including APIs, mobile apps, and websites, for startups and small and medium clients.
  • Created a healthcare platform to facilitate access to healthcare services from remote areas.
Technologies: Flutter, Node.js, NestJS, Vue, React, Kotlin, Electron, TypeScript, Express.js, Dart, Android, iOS, TypeORM, PostgreSQL, Microservices, Amazon Web Services (AWS), APIs, GraphQL, OpenAPI, GitLab CI/CD, JSON, REST APIs, React Native, Firebase, NoSQL, CSS, Cloud Firestore, CI/CD Pipelines, Unit Testing, REST, Mobile Applications, Mobile Apps, Java, HTML, Desktop App Development, Full-stack, Redux, Mobile App Development, SQL, Object-relational Mapping (ORM), Back-end, Code Review, Software Architecture, Mobile, Architecture, Web Development, Axios, Mobile Development, Web & Mobile Applications, Quasar, Git, Cross-platform, AWS Lambda, API Gateways, Front-end Development

Lead Software Developer

2019 - 2019
Banzela
  • Built the main product's mobile app, which allowed to switch bulbs on and off and control other startup devices via Bluetooth.
  • Set standards, managed, and oversaw the development of the company's main app and admin dashboard.
  • Worked on a peer-to-peer network that could extend the reach of the commands to control bulbs. It was built of a set of mobile apps communicating via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with encrypted messages.
Technologies: Node.js, Kotlin, Electron, JSON, CSS, Cloud Firestore, Mobile Applications, Mobile Apps, HTML, Desktop App Development, Full-stack, Redux, Mobile App Development, SQL, Back-end, Code Review, Team Management, Mobile, Axios, Mobile Development, Web & Mobile Applications, Quasar, Git, Front-end Development

Lead Software Engineer

2019 - 2019
Trésors du Sud
  • Built an eCommerce software platform for web and mobile.
  • Worked on the back end and mobile version of a wallet app the company was testing to include as a mode of payment in the eCommerce platform.
  • Led the software development team and managed the two main projects at the time—the eCommerce platform and the wallet app.
Technologies: Node.js, Cordova, PHP, Electron, REST APIs, APIs, JSON, CSS, REST, Mobile Applications, Mobile Apps, HTML, Desktop App Development, Full-stack, Mobile App Development, SQL, Object-relational Mapping (ORM), Back-end, Code Review, Team Management, Mobile, Architecture, Mobile Development, Git, Cross-platform

Full-stack Developer

2018 - 2019
Trésors du Sud
  • Revamped the front end of the company's main product, an eCommerce website.
  • Built a desktop app for internal use, managing all company data, which included memos, agents, deliveries, sales, and transactions.
  • Worked on the mobile app of the company's eCommerce website.
Technologies: JavaScript, Node.js, PHP, Cordova, Electron, JSON, CSS, REST, HTML, Desktop App Development, Full-stack, Mobile App Development, Back-end, Mobile, Mobile Development, Cross-platform

Back-end Developer

2018 - 2018
Trésors du Sud
  • Worked on the main company product, an eCommerce website.
  • Contributed to the back end of another company product's MVP, a wallet app.
  • Managed the development of all company product back ends.
Technologies: PHP, JavaScript, Node.js, Electron, JSON, HTML, Back-end, Mobile Development

Software Developer

2017 - 2018
Freelance
  • Built desktop apps for client companies' internal use with Electron.
  • Served as a full-stack developer on several mobile apps and websites for small and medium clients.
  • Managed the development of a software-as-a-service solution that was a startup's main product.
Technologies: JavaScript, PHP, HTML5, CSS3, Node.js, Electron, JSON, CSS, Cloud Firestore, React Native, Java, HTML, Desktop App Development, Full-stack, Object-relational Mapping (ORM), Web Development, Mobile Development

Experience

OmniGym Africa

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.omnigymafrica.mobile
OmniGym Africa is a Flutter-based mobile application that allows its users to access multiple gyms at the price of one. It also provides meal suggestions based on particular goals users want to achieve. I built the Company OmniGym Africa Limited platform while following best practices and using Flutter, Dart, Nest.js, and Node.js.

DigiPay

https://apps.apple.com/bg/app/digipay-app/id6446125750
A Flutter-based app for a digital wallet that facilitates money transfers and I was the main software developer and solution architect where I redesigned the entire app from scratch using Flutter and Firebase.

Kinji App

Kinji is a real estate platform that facilitates finding real estate to buy or rent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in Goma. It already has a few hundred users. It is the main product of Kinji, a startup I've found and intend to scale in the coming months.

I built the whole app, the back and front end, and the admin dashboard. A software engineer recently joined me to help add more features to it.

Isharc

Isharc is a software development company founded by me that focuses on building custom-made software products for startups, and that has recently been developing home automation products for the African market.
For over two years, I've been working as the CEO and lead software engineer at Isharc.

Sr. Flutter Developer for an Automobile Parts Project

I worked on a Flutter-based application for an automobile parts company, utilizing Flutter's web app. My role was mainly to refactor it, correct mistakes, help fix bugs, and show guidance and direction regarding the best way to build the said to the team.

Education

2016 - 2020

Bachelor of Science Degree in Telecommunications Engineering

Cavendish University Uganda - Kampala, Uganda

Skills

Libraries/APIs

Node.js, Vue, REST APIs, React, Vuex, Socket.IO, OpenAPI, Web3.js, Stripe

Tools

Git, Figma, GitLab CI/CD

Languages

JavaScript, TypeScript, Dart, HTML5, CSS, HTML, SQL, Python, PHP, CSS3, Kotlin, GraphQL, Java, Swift

Frameworks

Flutter, NestJS, Express.js, Electron, React Native, Quasar, Nuxt.js, Redux, Jest, Next.js

Paradigms

REST, Mobile Development, Cross-platform, Unit Testing, Desktop App Development, Object-relational Mapping (ORM), DevOps, Microservices

Platforms

Android, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Firebase, Mobile, AWS Lambda, iOS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), FlutterFlow

Storage

PostgreSQL, JSON, Cloud Firestore, NoSQL, MongoDB

Other

Mobile Applications, Mobile Apps, Full-stack, Mobile App Development, Back-end, Web & Mobile Applications, Full-stack Development, Back-end Development, Front-end, Teamwork, TypeORM, APIs, CI/CD Pipelines, Code Review, Software Architecture, Architecture, Web Development, Axios, Team Leadership, Solution Architecture, API Gateways, Front-end Development, API Integration, Leadership, Cordova, Push Notifications, Chatbots, ESLint, Team Management, Fintech, Design, Machine Learning, iPhone, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Performance, Optimization, Security

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