Hello, and welcome to my website! My name is David Gonçalves, a passionate Portuguese software engineer with a deep love for transforming ideas into reality. I specialize in C++, where I've honed my skills in creating efficient and robust software solutions. Alongside my specialization, I have an ongoing interest in DevOps (particularly CI/CD), Python, and Qt, which I am actively exploring to expand my technical expertise.

Throughout my academic and hobbyist journey, I have worked with a wide range of programming languages and technologies. My experience encompasses web development (including HTML5, CSS3, TypeScript, jQuery, React, Node.js, Webpack, PHP, and Joomla) and databases (such as MSSQL, MySQL, and SQLite). Additionally, I have explored areas like Android development, C#/VB.NET with WinForms, compilers, and IT security, among others. While my primary specialization is in C++, this diverse exposure has provided me with substantial knowledge and understanding across various fields. This breadth of experience enhances my ability to tackle different challenges and contributes to a well-rounded skill set, even though I do not specialize in every area.

My professional journey has taken me to Finland and Germany for on-site work, in addition to my home country, Portugal. I have greatly enjoyed my time in these countries, each of which offers unique attractions and interesting cultures. Living and working abroad has broadened my perspective significantly, providing valuable insights into migration, cultural exchanges, and the various challenges associated with adapting to new environments. Despite the language barrier—since I do not speak the local languages of these countries—the experience was immensely enriching. Navigating these challenges not only enhanced my problem-solving skills but also deepened my appreciation for the diverse ways in which people live and work across different cultures. The process of integrating into new settings and learning about local customs and traditions has been both rewarding and educational.

While much of my time is spent in front of a computer screen—whether coding, experimenting, or learning something new—I always make sure to carve out time for other pursuits. My curiosity drives me to constantly seek out new technologies and understand their inner workings. As a hobbyist, I enjoy working on small, non-commercial projects that challenge me and broaden my experience as a developer.

My projects can be found on GitHub, GitLab, and BitBucket, where I share the fruits of my experimentation and learning. Various articles—mostly AI-generated ones—that I have read and learned from can be found on my GitHub Gist.