ABOUT ANDREW SMITH / INDEPENDENT DEVELOPER
Software, systems &
interfaces that work.
I am an independent software developer based in Mississippi. I design and build custom web applications, internal tools, automation scripts, and Linux desktop utilities. I help clients turn complicated, manual workflows into fast, dependable software.
Practical engineering, start to finish.
I work directly with clients as a solo developer and technical partner. Rather than managing layers of account executives or handing off designs to an unfamiliar team, I take responsibility for the entire problem: discovering what gets in the way, planning the architecture, writing the code, verifying edge cases, and delivering a clean, documented handoff.
My background spans both ends of the software stack: from responsive web interfaces and browser applications to systems-level Linux desktop tools, Rust command-line utilities, and reproducible data workflows.
How I approach the work.
Solve the real task
Start by understanding what people actually do every day, where time is lost, and what information needs to move. Great software removes friction instead of adding novel decoration.
Durable, low-maintenance architecture
Choose dependable foundations: semantic HTML, modern responsive CSS, TypeScript, and native browser or system APIs. Avoid unnecessary dependencies that turn into maintenance debt.
Respect user data & privacy
Keep records local when appropriate, provide portable structured exports (CSV, JSON), and avoid tracking, surveillance scripts, or opaque third-party embeds.
Honest scope & verifiable milestones
Agree on the exact requirements, deliverables, interfaces, and testing criteria before starting. Transfer complete ownership of the source with zero vendor lock-in.
Demonstrated experience.
- Desktop & Linux software: Released Tessera v1.0.2, a native KDE Plasma 6 window-tiling script with multi-screen placement affinity and native shortcut configuration.
- Developer platforms: Built Codeward, a collaborative code review platform connecting terminal workflows and GitHub reviews into structured reports.
- Operational workbenches: Designed and implemented single-purpose business tools including Table (immutable CSV data prep), Relay (delivery dossier & milestone tracking), Forma (retail inventory & receiving), and Fieldwork (contractor dispatch & checklists).
- Web engineering & performance: Server-rendered Next.js applications, strict CSP security, semantic accessibility, and verified search-engine metadata.