David Thorp

Aussie born & raised. Now US-based. Native English speaker. I've been a software developer for 30+ years (including high school) in various languages from BASIC and C/C++ in the 80's/90's to modern day languages/platforms (JS, python, Swift, FileMaker, others) for building web and native apps.

I'm a "do a few things really well" person so I focus entirely on:

• JavaScript -- mostly node, some browser with html, css -- I've studied and worked with JS and node extensively the last few years, and built various node.js applications. For front end: No full web sites, but multiple UI widgets used in other apps.

• Python -- I've used very few of the libraries and frameworks, but almost anything vanilla python I consider myself an expert.

• FileMaker Pro -- world-class expert. I've used this almost daily my entire career, and built thousands of custom apps from tiny to very large and complex.

• APIS, REST, JSON -- Very good with anything to do with these. I don't need to know a specific API to be able to help you. If it's documented properly it takes minimal time to figure out the specifics (and I won't charge you for that specific time).

There are very few problems I can't solve with those. 😉

Other than the above expertise my strengths include:
(These are from my own analyses, and according to others I've taught/managed/mentored elsewhere).

• I have studied and practiced proper Computer Science fundamentals my entire career (I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science). I don't just code. I design and build software applications with proper data patterns, algorithms, etc.
• I am a very good problem solver. I've been solving computer software problems for over 30 years. Any overwhelming big problem can be broken down into smaller less overwhelming problems. Do that down multiple levels if needed and you get a bunch of small easy problems to solve. Works every time. I can teach you how to do this.
• I am very good at explaining things clearly. My mother was a teacher and she taught me many of her techniques. My favorite one is: I'll find out what you already know, and start there. Then one step at a time, explain new things with analogies and in terms you already understand from what you already know. Then I'll ask you to explain it back to me. Repeat as needed. This helps ensure you properly understand it. I will help you "get" it, not just fix it.
• I am very patient, supportive, and encouraging.
• I can help with one-off problems or long term training/tutoring. (I'll consider reduced rates for anything consistent/long term).

I've taught and mentored elsewhere, but am new to this site. I'm keen to build my reputation here.

Risk-Free Money Back Guarantee -- My Integrity & Reputation Matter.

• My priority is to provide you VALUE, not just time, and earn a five star review. I will work hard to help you reach, and understand, a solution to your problem, or I won't charge you.
• I know a lot, but I don't know everything. What I don't know I usually figure out pretty quickly. If we discover there's something any decent mentor should know that I don't, I'll stop the clock and figure it out, or I'll refund you some or all of our session (depending on what value if any I have provided), to allow you to find someone else without financial loss.
• If you're in any way unhappy with my service, please let me know, and I will do anything reasonable to make it right, or I will refund you.
• Caveat/Disclaimer: If you leave me a bad review for any reason without giving me a chance to address your concern, this guarantee becomes void.

Let's turn mystery into mastery. 😉