Biography
Computers and technology have always been a part of my life, but the software engineering realm is what really fascinates me. I wrote my first program at the age of 8 on an IBM Model 25, and my interest in computers, programming, and software have persisted since. Some of my earliest computer related memories include: playing
on my families
Tandy TRS-80, using a cassette tape to load and play
“defender” on a
Commodore Vic 20, setting up our first
Apple Macintosh, writing programs on our old
IBM Model 25, and later using the entourage of IBM clones that followed in the subsequent years. If you found this interesting, you'll want to read
How I Got Started In Software Development too.
Today I am pleased that I can have a career doing something I am passionate about. My career in the software industry fosters continual creativity, research, introspection, and self development both personally and professionally.
About
I'm a software developer living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
I enjoy every aspect of the computer-related discipline. I'd like to consider myself a "jack of all trades" in the web development arena, but the software industry moves too quickly and is too vast for anyone to really make that claim. Regardless; I'm always looking for a challenge whether it be maintaining a legacy system or using the latest technology.
Technically, I prefer to work with JavaScript / ECMAScript and Microsoft .NET languages (my favourite presently being C#), but I do have experience with a variety of other programming languages and technologies like: Java, PHP, Perl, SQL/T-SQL, VB.NET, VB6, VBScript, ... Most of my recent database experience has been with SQL Server, and Oracle, but over the years I have become acquainted with: MySQL, Microsoft Access, and Postgres. This year I’ve really been drinking in the prototypically-inherited (classless), object oriented language that we’ve come to know as JavaScript / ECMAScript and In the future I hope to contribute to some of the AJAX frameworks.
My last name is of Finnish origin and the 'h' in "Kahtava" is silent. The phonetic pronunciation is actually something like "Kätävä".
Since my surname is difficult to remember the domain name AdamDotCom.com also references this site.
My professional memberships include the ACM and the IEEE.
Something to keep in mind: a written expression of thoughts (my journal, my writing, a text book, etc...) inevitably contradict over time - it's human nature, our thoughts evolve with experience, we mature and grow. I don't claim to know everything, so please bear with me. Comment on my mistakes, inconsistencies, biases, and voice your concerns, I'm always looking to learn and improve.
Please read my disclaimer.
If you read this far, you may also be interested in my resume.