My Skills Journey 📈
Java
2017 • Technical Language
My Gateway into Programming - I began my coding journey with Java back in high school (Grade 8–12), where it served as the foundation for my understanding of programming. From basic constructs like loops, conditionals, and arrays to core concepts like OOP, recursion, and data structures like stacks and queues — Java trained me to think logically and solve problems efficiently. It wasn't just a subject; it was where my love for code began.
C
2022 • Technical Language
I first explored C in 2021 through YouTube, where I learned its syntax and basic constructs. However, my formal programming journey truly began in college during my first semester (Jan'23), where C was the foundation. Through countless assignments and a hands-on end-semester project, I built a strong grasp of logic building, memory handling, pointers, and address-level manipulation. C shaped my understanding of how code interacts with hardware — forming a deep-rooted appreciation for problem solving at a low level.
C++
2021 • Technical Language
C++ was the first language I intentionally chose to dive deep into Data Structures and Algorithms - even before my college journey began. It was with C++ that I learned to solve problems using arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, and recursion. I submitted my very first CodeChef and LeetCode solutions in this language, which gave me a taste of competitive programming and algorithmic thinking. In my second semester, I formally studied Object-Oriented Programming through C++, solidifying my understanding of classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. This language truly sharpened both my logical and memory management skills.
Python
2022 • Technical Language
My journey with Python began when I purchased my very first course on Coursera - Learn to Program: The Fundamentals by the University of Toronto. It introduced me to programming in the most beginner-friendly and intuitive way. Later, in my fourth semester of college, I took a course named DSA456, where I deepened my understanding of algorithm design and analysis - all implemented using Python. From writing clean code to exploring recursive logic and time complexity, Python became my go-to tool for expressing ideas quickly and effectively.
HTML, CSS, JavaScript
2021 • Frontend
My web development journey began out of pure curiosity after discovering Google Summer of Code (GSoC). Fascinated by how websites were built, I started exploring HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in 2021. I still remember being intimidated by the 'Inspect Element' tool — it looked like a hacker’s console! But as I dove deeper, things started making sense. From building simple static pages to interactive sites, I’ve been consistently upgrading my skills, especially in CSS layouts and JavaScript logic. This trio of technologies became the canvas for many of my creative experiments online.
Node.js & Express
2024 • Backend
After learning plain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I moved into backend development to build full-stack applications. Thanks to WEB322 - a course in my 3rd semester. I gained hands-on experience and a solid understanding of the backend stack through practical assignments. I learned key concepts like HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), RESTful APIs, AJAX, ORM, ODM, client sessions, and more. It was a great learning experience and exciting to build dynamic applications beyond static pages.
React.js
2025 • Frontend
To build on my foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I decided to learn React - a powerful and in-demand frontend library. I created several projects, including FinCraft Studios (featured on the Projects page of this portfolio). With React in my toolkit, I officially completed the MERN stack and proudly consider myself a MERN developer.
Next.js
2025 • Frontend
After successfully learning the MERN stack, I decided to take the next step by exploring Next.js - a powerful React framework that's widely used and highly recommended in the industry today. With its built-in benefits like improved SEO, server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), API routes, faster performance, and better developer experience, I knew mastering Next.js would be a valuable move toward building a strong career as a developer. Credit goes to WEB422, a 4th-semester web development course at Seneca, which made the learning process hands-on and practical by diving deep into various core concepts of Next.js.
MongoDB
2024 • Database
I had the opportunity to explore MongoDB in two ways. First, while was while learning the MERN stack, where I primarily worked with Mongoose, an ODM that interacts with MongoDB. Second, while I studied MongoDB more formally in DBS311, a third-semester database course at college. There, I learned its native syntax and practiced writing both simple and complex queries. I really enjoyed how its JSON-like syntax felt familiar to JavaScript and appreciated the flexibility it offered compared to traditional SQL databases. This experience also helped me become comfortable working with tools like Mongosh, MongoDB Atlas, and MongoDB Compass.
SQL
2024 • Database
My understanding of SQL and writing queries is quite dynamic. I’ve worked with Oracle SQL 12c, MySQL, and PostgreSQL - each with slight differences, but fundamentally similar in query structure. The ease with which I grasped SQL concepts sparked my interest in exploring the world of data and data science. It made me realize that this might be my ikigai - something I truly enjoy and am naturally good at, and potentially a lifelong pursuit.