Petar Smolić, Developer in Split, Croatia
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Petar Smolić

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Software Developer

Location
Split, Croatia
Toptal Member Since
November 22, 2015

With over a decade of industry experience, Petar has transitioned from PHP and WordPress to focus on Node.js, Next.js, and React. Petar is known for his adaptability and quick learning and stays current with tech trends. His mastery of modern technologies enables him to develop efficient, scalable web applications for the digital era.

Front-endWordPress ThemesHTML5WordPressPHPMySQLAgile Software DevelopmentGitLessNode.jsSassReactLaravelNext.jsGitHub

Portfolio

BuzzFeed
React, Next.js, JavaScript, Node.js, Go, Python, Jest, Front-end, Backbone.js
Refinery29
Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), Redis, MySQL, React, Node.js, PHP, Jest...
BimBam
CSS, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, Front-end

Experience

PHP - 10 yearsWordPress - 10 yearsJavaScript - 10 yearsMySQL - 9 yearsGit - 7 yearsAgile Software Development - 7 yearsReact - 5 yearsNext.js - 3 years

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Git, Sublime Text, Linux, Next.js, WebStorm, MacOS

The most amazing...

...project I've worked on included re-architecting a legacy application to make it scalable and more performant.

Work Experience

Full-stack Developer

2019 - PRESENT
BuzzFeed
  • Contributed to upgrading internal tools to a new tech stack, significantly improving system performance and user experience.
  • Implemented numerous new functionalities across user and editor-facing apps, increasing productivity and user engagement.
  • Contributed to accessibility-related improvements in different areas, enhancing the inclusivity and usability of the platform.
  • Collaborated with a diverse team to deliver high-quality software solutions under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong team collaboration and project management skills.
Technologies: React, Next.js, JavaScript, Node.js, Go, Python, Jest, Front-end, Backbone.js

Software Engineer

2017 - 2019
Refinery29
  • Contributed to developing new back-end functionality, leading to more efficient content management processes.
  • Participated in the development of front-end features, enhancing the platform's visual appeal and user interface.
  • Assisted with the data migration of a new content management system, resulting in reduced errors and improved data integrity.
  • Demonstrated adaptability and problem-solving skills in rapidly changing development environments.
Technologies: Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), Redis, MySQL, React, Node.js, PHP, Jest, GitHub, Slack, SCSS, Git, Front-end

Freelance WordPress Developer

2016 - 2017
BimBam
  • Updated and repaired various elements within a custom WordPress theme, significantly improving website functionality.
  • Migrated various content types from another site, preserving data integrity and ensuring seamless user experience.
  • Customized an EDD plugin to fit project requirements, enhancing site functionality and user satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated strong freelance work ethic, delivering high-quality work on schedule and maintaining clear communication with clients.
Technologies: CSS, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, Front-end

Freelance WordPress Developer

2016 - 2016
Autopilot (via Toptal)
  • Created a custom theme from a supplied design.
  • Created multiple custom shortcodes to accommodate various content types.
  • Made a two-way connection between different post types.
Technologies: SCSS, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, GitHub

Freelance WordPress Developer

2016 - 2016
Little Digital Co. (via Toptal)
  • Created a custom theme from a supplied design.
  • Connected the website with a third-party shopping app.
  • Pooled product information from a third-party app.
Technologies: Gulp, JavaScript, SCSS, PHP, WordPress

Senior PHP Engineer

2016 - 2016
CodeBOX (via Toptal)
  • Developed WordPress plugins.
  • Created new features for existing plugins.
  • Created new features for a WordPress theme.
  • Debugged different client sites.
  • Provided client support.
Technologies: JavaScript, WordPress, PHP, GitHub

Software Engineer

2015 - 2016
Big Room Studios
  • Developed WordPress themes.
  • Added back-end features to the Symfony2 application.
  • Developed a Polymer component.
  • Built responsive sites.
  • Provided simple server administration.
Technologies: Grunt, Sass, Git, JavaScript, WordPress, Symfony 2, PHP, GitHub

Software Engineer

2013 - 2015
Refinery29
  • Helped re-architect the content delivery platform.
  • Developed the front-end for user registration/login application.
  • Developed the front-end for a shopping application.
  • Built custom, interactive user experiences for brand partners.
  • Built custom SEO management tools.
  • Refactored and cleaned code for older parts of application.
Technologies: Redis, Grunt, Sass, Git, Kohana, JavaScript, PHP, GitHub

Software Engineer

2013 - 2013
Static
  • Developed a web application for rent-a-car business management.
  • Built a Laravel application for personal coach client management.
  • Managed servers and deployed applications.
  • Communicated with a government API to generate fiscal receipts.
Technologies: Sass, Grunt, JavaScript, Laravel, PHP

Software Engineer

2012 - 2013
MID
  • Built WordPress themes.
  • Maintained WordPress sites.
  • Developed a web shop based on WordPress.
  • Managed hosting for about twenty sites.
  • Maintained Joomla sites.
Technologies: JavaScript, HTML5, WordPress, PHP

Refinery29

http://www.refinery29.com/shops
I built front-end for this page. It is a custom JavaScript application that consumes an in-house API.

Refinery29

http://www.refinery29.com/
I helped to re-architect content delivery to all top level pages to make them scalable and more performant to accommodate spikes in the number of visits.

Gritty's WordPress Site

http://grittys.com/
Developed a responsive theme for a WordPress site.

Languages

HTML, HTML5, Less, PHP, JavaScript, Sass, SCSS, CSS, Go, Python, TypeScript

Frameworks

Laravel, Next.js, Kohana, Jest, Express.js, Tailwind CSS, Symfony 2

Libraries/APIs

Node.js, React, jQuery, Stripe, Backbone.js, Mustache

Tools

Git, Bower, Grunt, Composer, GitHub, Slack, Sublime Text, PhpStorm, NGINX, Gulp, Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), WebStorm

Paradigms

Agile Software Development, Microservices, Test-driven Development (TDD)

Platforms

WordPress, Meteor, Docker, iOS, Linux, MacOS

Storage

MySQL, Redis

Other

WordPress Themes, Web Development, Front-end, WordPress Multisite, Linux Server Configuration

2008 - 2011

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

University of Split, FESB - Split