Keep the source of truth clear
Bookings and payments should write to one authoritative system. Search can use read models that can be rebuilt and refreshed at the right pace.
ABOUT / THE SHORT VERSION
From React to backend systems.
I am Althaf Asard, a self-taught full stack developer from Sri Lanka. I progressed from a React trainee role to Associate Software Developer and later took technical responsibility for the whole guest product area of a hotel booking platform.
HOW I WORK
I like to understand the whole path.
I have worked from the browser through APIs, search, booking, data pipelines, and deployment. My main tools have included React, Astro, Node.js, TypeScript, C++ with Crow, SQL databases, search stores, and AWS.
I hold a diploma in IT. Most of my practical learning came from building production systems, then explaining them clearly to the people who had to maintain them.
WHAT I AM LOOKING FORFull stack work focused on backend systemsAvailable for my next role.
BACKGROUNDSelf-taught full stack developerPractical experience with production systems.
OFFICIAL PROGRESSIONTrainee to Associate Software DeveloperHotels Hippo.com (Pvt) Ltd, December 2022 to 3 July 2026.
01 / HOW THE WORK GREW
I started with React and took on more of the product.
My responsibilities grew as I learned what the product needed.
01
2022
Joined Hotels Hippo.com (Pvt) Ltd
Joined as a trainee working mainly in React and frontend development.
02
2023
Became an Associate Software Developer
Moved into Node.js, MySQL, APIs, booking, listing, and the rest of the guest product.
03
2024 to 2025
Worked through the difficult parts
Worked through the Neo4j/C++, Kafka/Debezium, and StarRocks versions as the platform grew.
04
2026
Completed the final handover
After my official employment ended on 3 July 2026, I completed the final handover on 7 August 2026, including the room allocation work, AWS read model documentation, and system handover notes.
02 / WORKING PRINCIPLES
How I make backend decisions.
Remove work from the request
A faster language can help, but removing unnecessary work from a search request usually helps more.
Make the system easier for the team
A design is useful only if other developers can debug it, change it, and run it after I move on.
03 / TOOLS I USED
Tools I have used.
FRONTEND
React, Astro, TypeScript, rendering for SEO
BACKEND
Node.js, C++ with Crow, APIs, booking and payment workflows
DATA
MySQL, PostgreSQL, Neo4j, Elasticsearch, Valkey, StarRocks
CLOUD + DELIVERY
AWS DMS, Lambda, Kinesis, S3, ECS, AWS SAM, Cloudflare
CONTACT
Open to full stack work focused on backend systems.
I am looking for full stack work with a strong focus on backend systems. I work best on APIs, search, booking flows, data pipelines, and AWS.
Based in Sri Lanka. Available for my next role.
See the selected workAVAILABLE FOR FULL STACK AND AWS WORK2026