History

I was born and raised in the city of St. Louis, MO where I still live today. When I'm not at work, I'm usually doing one of three things: coding a personal project, working on my photography or playing pool.

Professional Overview
I have been a Microsoft technologies based software engineer for 13 years. Shortly after graduating from Webster University with a B.S. in Mathematics, I started working for a large local copmany. About a year and a half later I attainted the MCSD certification for Visual Studio 6.0. I am currently studying to take the MCPD 3.5 Certifications.

I am most happy coding data-driven applications using Visual Basic.Net with a SQL Server backend. I really enjoy designing databases and writing the corresponding stored procedures; specifically those with logic embedded within. The gravest offense, in my opinion, in hard-coded sql in a client application. I am fluent in the T-SQL syntax, making use all available features and functions when necessary. Outside of the database, I am most content writing middle and/or data tier components to handle communication between the presentation layer and the database. I am quick to understand environments and requirements and am equally as quick to produce a development path to accomplish the task at hand. I work best in a team setting as I thrive on the open exchange of ideas and information amongst the developers relative the project. I am capable of assigning tasks to other developers, if it is required of me but I do not assume control over any project unless it is explicitly assigned to me. My personal opinions about coding methods are my own and I adapt to the company/team's when they don't match.

Email: john AT johnpirkey DOT net