About Me

Hey there! I'm Nikola Lazarov, a software developer from Sofia, Bulgaria. I'm currently a Senior Front-End Developer at Progress, but I'm gradually expanding my focus beyond web development toward native applications, C++, Rust, Linux, and systems programming.

I enjoy understanding how software works from the ground up and learning by building things. My personal projects range from native Linux applications and Rust libraries to developer tools, parsers, and consumer software. I'm also increasingly interested in graphics programming and exploring lower-level parts of the software stack.

What I Do

I've been at Progress since 2018, starting as an intern and eventually becoming a Senior Front-End Developer. Working on software at enterprise scale has given me extensive experience with web development, APIs, architecture, and building software as part of large engineering teams.

Outside of work, I use personal projects to explore areas that I don't get to work with every day. These projects are an important part of my transition toward systems and native software development.

Content Creation

I create educational programming content on YouTube and write technical articles about software engineering and the technologies I'm exploring.

Teaching and writing are also how I learn. Explaining a concept clearly forces me to understand it properly, and sharing what I learn helps me turn that understanding into something useful.

Background

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science & Information Systems from the American University in Bulgaria, where I developed a strong foundation in computer science and software engineering.

Projects

Personal projects are a big part of how I develop my skills. I use them to explore new technologies, architectural approaches, and areas outside my professional experience.

Some of my projects include Machina, a Linux system monitor written in C++, CTL Dash, a Rust-based systemd service manager, and Budget Warden, a cross-platform application built around a shared Rust core.

You can find more of my work on GitHub and throughout this website.

Outside of Software

Outside of programming, I enjoy fitness and swimming, and I'm fascinated by industrial design, engineering, architecture, and craftsmanship. I also enjoy movies, novels, music, and art.

I'm always interested in meeting people who enjoy building things, exploring technology, and learning how software works.