I'm Alexander Vankov
a Software Developer & Systems Administrator
based in Sofia.
About Me.
I am an Informatics student at New Bulgarian University with a passion for system architecture, low-level programming, and server administration. My tech journey is driven by a constant desire to understand how systems operate under the hood. From writing clean, object-oriented code in C++ and Python to managing my own Fedora-based homelab, I thrive in environments where I can build, optimize, and deploy resilient infrastructure using tools like Podman and Docker.
Beyond pure software, my hobby - IoT gives me a unique perspective on hardware. I actively develop IoT solutions using microcontrollers like Arduino, integrating physical sensor networks with platforms like Home Assistant. For me, the real magic happens when software meets physical engineering, allowing me to bridge the gap between digital code and real-world infrastructure.
Tech Stack & Infrastructure
- Languages: C++, Python, SQL, Bash
- Backend & API: FastAPI, SQLAlchemy
- System & DevOps: Linux (Fedora), Podman, systemd (Quadlets), Docker
- Networking: Nginx, Cloudflare Tunnels, Reverse Proxies
IoT & Hardware
- Microcontrollers: Arduino (Uno R3 / Nano / R4 WiFi)
- Protocols: MQTT (Mosquitto)
- Smart Home: Home Assistant, Sensor Integration
- Electronics: Solar-powered datalogging, custom circuit building
Featured Projects
CityPortal (C++ CLI Application)
A command-line application built in C++ for city administration and database management using CSV files. Focused on clean Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), templates, and efficient memory management.
Solar-Powered IoT Datalogger
A hardware project utilizing an Arduino Uno R4 WiFi to monitor temperature and humidity. Data is transmitted via MQTT to a custom Home Assistant dashboard. Engineered for low power consumption and solar charging.
Self-Hosted HomeLab & Portfolio
Designed and deployed a resilient server environment on Fedora Linux Server. Services are containerized with Docker and rootless using Podman and managed via systemd Quadlets. External access is secured through Nginx and Cloudflare Tunnels.