Who Am I?

Hello World! 😜 I’m Ali Kazai, a self-taught software engineer with a multidisciplinary background that spans software development, design, marketing, and even film. My journey has been unconventional, blending technical expertise with creative innovation, and giving me a unique perspective on problem-solving.

I wasn’t always a developer. My fascination with technology started when I was nine years old. I stumbled across a Turbo Pascal book my older brother had left lying around and, with curiosity sparked, began learning to code on a rusty Windows 3.11 machine. The local library became my second home as I devoured books on computers and software. My father’s encouragement—through VHS tapes on building PCs and website development—pushed me further down this path.

From building websites with GIFs and background music to disassembling and reassembling my PC hundreds of times, I was hooked. Later, I moved to Visual Basic, creating GUI apps like a pizza ordering system inspired by my father’s pizza shop software. While these early experiments were thrilling, finding help as a young programmer without the internet’s vast resources was a challenge. Back then, there was no Stack Overflow—just me, some books, and sheer determination.

Over the years, my interests evolved. I briefly studied System Administration and Cisco Networking but found them unchallenging. I transitioned into design, working on logos, advertisements, and motion graphics. This creative phase led me to a degree in Digital Media Design and further studies in 3D Visual Effects and Film Directing. Despite these diversions, I always returned to coding, keeping the flame alive in the background.

Eventually, a 100 Days of Code challenge reignited my passion for programming. Building projects with C#, .NET, and Umbraco introduced me to supportive developer communities and modern resources that made learning faster and more engaging. I landed my first role as a .NET Frontend Developer and haven’t looked back, diving deep into systems architecture, data structures, and more.

Why Am I Blogging?

Why not? 😎 As someone who’s always learning and solving problems, I want to share my knowledge and experiences to help others. Over the years, I’ve relied on the generosity of online communities and now feel it’s my turn to contribute.

This blog will be a space where I:

Share insights into programming, system design, and other technical topics.
Explore ideas around design, marketing, and business.
Reflect on my personal and professional journey.
Offer practical fixes, hacks, and resources I’ve discovered along the way.

Through this platform, I aim to grow a community where knowledge is freely exchanged, and everyone’s experiences can inspire and support one another.

What Will I Be Blogging About?

Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

Programming: Full-stack development, tools, and techniques.
Computer Science: Data structures, algorithms, and mathematical foundations.
Database & System Design: Building scalable, efficient architectures.
DevOps: Best practices for CI/CD, automation, and infrastructure management.
Machine Learning & AI: Exploring intelligent systems and real-world applications.
UI/UX Design: Enhancing user experiences with thoughtful design.
Business & Marketing: Lessons from my entrepreneurial journey.
Creative Pursuits: Insights into design, visual effects, and filmmaking.
Hobbies & Interests: A mix of gaming, books, and personal growth.

How Can You Get Involved?

While this platform doesn’t yet support comments (I’m working on a custom backend!), you can still connect with me on X, Instagram, and YouTube. Whether it’s a question, a topic suggestion, or just a friendly hello, I’m always happy to engage. If I don’t have the answer, you can bet I’ll dive deep to find it! 🤖

Feel free to suggest topics you’d like me to write about or share ideas that inspire you. Together, we can make this a hub for learning, collaboration, and growth.

Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon! 😎