Petar is available for hire
Hire PetarPetar Smolić
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Developer
Split, Croatia
Toptal member since November 22, 2015
Bio
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.
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 years
- JavaScript - 10 years
- WordPress - 10 years
- MySQL - 9 years
- Agile Software Development - 7 years
- Git - 7 years
- React - 5 years
- Next.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
Experience
Refinery29
http://www.refinery29.com/shopsI 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.
Education
2008 - 2011
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
University of Split, FESB - Split
Skills
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
Languages
HTML, HTML5, Less, PHP, JavaScript, Sass, SCSS, CSS, Go, Python, TypeScript
Frameworks
Laravel, Next.js, Kohana, Jest, Express.js, Tailwind CSS, Symfony 2
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
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