Why I Engineer

I build production web systems and open source tools, with a focus on backend engineering, infrastructure, and developer experience. I take ideas from a rough problem statement to reliable, production-ready software.

I am a backend developer who enjoys taking ideas from a rough problem statement to a reliable, production-ready web system. Most of my work lives at the intersection of backend engineering, infrastructure, and developer experience, where small architectural decisions make a big difference for other engineers.

I am deeply passionate about computers and web technologies, with a strong focus on backend engineering. I work with JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Node.js, React, Next.js, GCP, Docker, Git, and the rest of the modern stack, close to the metal when it matters, with an eye on clean APIs and a good experience for the people who use what I build.

As an active open-source contributor and maintainer, I build my own npm and PyPI packages that solve my problems as well as those faced by other developers. I have worked with 20+ developers across the world and have a strong interest in reading and writing technical blogs; I regularly share my thoughts and knowledge on LinkedIn.

Role
Backend Developer
Company
bettercompanies.com
Location
India (IST)
Open source
100+ GitHub stars
Stack
JS, TypeScript, Node, React, Next.js, Python, GCP

Career

My professional journey in software engineering, focusing on building scalable backend systems and reliable web applications.

Better Companies

• India · Remote

Back End Developer · Freelance

  • Working as a Backend Developer on a modular system architecture involving PostgreSQL-based schema design, system integrations, and asynchronous processing workflows.
  • Contributing to backend services, API integrations, and system-level automation, with a focus on scalability, reliability, and clean architecture.
  • Collaborating remotely on system design, data modeling, and implementation of core backend components.
PythonWeb Application DevelopmentSystem ArchitecturePostgreSQLAPI DevelopmentAsynchronous Processing

Agribid Private Limited

• Mumbai, Maharashtra, India · On-site

Full-stack Developer · Full-time

  • Developed and deployed backend applications using Python and FastAPI, building scalable REST APIs and designing efficient PostgreSQL database schemas.
  • Managed application deployments on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and built internal tools and libraries to streamline development workflows and improve team productivity.
  • Collaborated across frontend and backend teams to deliver end-to-end features, maintaining clean, scalable, and production-ready code.
Technical DocumentationServer Side ProgrammingFastAPIGCPREST APIsPython

Agribid Private Limited

• Remote

Information Technology Intern · Internship

  • Deployed Python Backend application on VPS and also released few internal tools for the org.
Computer Information SystemsBack-End Web DevelopmentVPS DeploymentPython

Blog Posts

I write concise, practical posts about web development, backend design, infrastructure, and lessons learned from building and maintaining real projects and open source libraries.

Is Your Privacy a Myth? The Truth About Mobile Security

Is your phone truly private? Debunking common myths about cellular security and how your provider really handles your data. Learn how to actually protect your digital right.

privacydata securitymythsmisinformationcellular networkssurveillance

The Ultimate Guide to Node.js Docker Containers: Do's and Don'ts

Stop making common mistakes with Node.js containers. Learn how to build optimized, secure, and production-ready Docker images using Alpine and Distroless.

containerDockerNode.jsPM2PrometheusGrafanaK8sAlpineDistrolessCI/CDReact

Online Privacy The Hidden Leaks in Your VPN

Protect your online identity by understanding how VPNs can still expose your private information through header information leakage.

vpnsecurityprivacy
View All Posts →

YouTube Videos

I make videos for fun and for educational purposes. They cover practical topics like shell environments, editors, and JavaScript fundamentals, with a focus on helping engineers set up tools quickly and understand how they work under the hood.

Deploy FastAPI Without a Server

How to Deploy FastAPI Without a Server | Deploy FastAPI from CLI with FastAPI Cloud

2026 May 23

Visualize Database Schema

The Best FREE Way to Visualize Your Database Schema Instantly! ( NO A.I)

2026 April 21

Install Zsh on WSL

How to Install Zsh on WSL | Debian/Ubuntu and Set it as Default Shell

2024 July 15

Netflix Recommendation System

Netflix Recommendation system

2024 September 12

Neovim Setup

How to download Neovim for windows and locate config file | init.lua | neovim setup easy

2024 July 7

Resilient Email API Project

Building a Resilient Email API | My Backend Interview Take-Home Project

2026 April 20

Projects

Selected product projects and tools I have built, followed by my open-source work.

Product Projects

Payquill

Privacy-first invoice generator for freelancers and teams, with fast invoice drafting, polished PDF export, and payment tracking.

SaaSBillingPrivacy-first

SchemaVis

Database schema visualizer that converts SQL DDL into an interactive ER-style workspace for clearer architecture planning.

Developer ToolSQLVisualization

Synn

Interactive Git history visualizer for exploring commits, branches, and merges with GitHub import and rich graph insights.

GitVisualizationDeveloper Experience

Braindock

Creative AI workspace that combines drawing, writing, coding, AI chat, and learning tools in one focused interface.

AI WorkspaceProductivityCreator Tools

Open-source projects

I build and maintain production-ready open source tools in JavaScript and Python. Below are four featured projects with direct links, followed by a broader project list.

fingerprint-oss

Fast client fingerprinting utility used in production workflows, backed by Cloudflare OSS, Neon, and Netlify.

JavaScriptTypeScriptNPM

Disposable Email Detector

Node.js package that detects temporary/disposable emails to reduce spam signups and improve onboarding quality.

Node.jsEmail ValidationNPM

Hasty Server

HTTP framework built from raw TCP sockets in JavaScript, inspired by Express but designed for learning and speed.

JavaScriptNode.jsTCP

kakashi

High-performance Python logging library focused on throughput, concurrent workloads, and production observability.

PythonLoggingPerformance

JavaScript Projects

★fingerprint-oss⭐ 25

A Blazingly fast Client-side utility library for javascript that collects information about the user's IP address, geolocation, and system information. Alternative to commercial services like FingerprintJS and Fingerprint2.js. Now backed by Cloudflare OSS, Neon, and Netlify.

JavaScriptNPMClient-side

★Disposable email detector⭐ 31

A Node.js utility for detecting disposable email addresses. It helps identify whether an email address belongs to a disposable email provider, aiding in the prevention of spam and unwanted sign-ups.

Node.jsNPMEmail Validation

★Hasty server⭐ 15

Hasty server is a simple web framework to build webserver in a simple way. It is inspired by Express.js. Basically, It is my implementation of HTTP using raw TCP Socket in Javascript.

JavaScriptNode.jsTCP

Flexr⭐ 2

Fenrir is a serverless cloud platform that allows developers to deploy their javascript applications with ease. It is built using Node.js, Express, Podman, PostgreSQL, Redis, HTMX, nginx and GCP.

Node.jsExpressPodmanPostgreSQLRedisHTMXnginxGCP

Netflix Recommendation System⭐ 12

This Netflix Recommendation System is a web application developed using Node.js and Express. It utilizes a recommendation engine written in Python.

Node.jsExpressPython

Python Projects

★IndiaPincodeFinderv2.0.0⭐ 2

IndiaPincodeFinder is a Python module that helps you find detailed Indian address information by using a valid 6-digit PIN code. It's ideal for use in logistics, address validation, fintech onboarding (KYC), e-commerce, and mapping services.

PythonPyPIAddress Validation

★kakashiv0.2.0⭐ 1

A modern, high-performance logging library designed for production applications that require both high throughput and excellent concurrency scaling.

PythonLoggingPerformance

asyncutilsxv2.0.0

ASGI wrapper for combining FastAPI and Socket.IO in one app..

PythonFastAPISocket.IOASGI

Highlights

Selected achievements and milestones: hackathon results, open source recognition, creator programs, and collaboration with developers worldwide.

2nd Place - Powerlifting Competition

110KG Squats + 155KG Deadlift + 70KG Bench Press

Top 15 - First Hackathon

Competed in my first ever hackathon and secured top 15 position

Neon Creator Program

Accepted as a creator in the Neon database platform program

GirlScript Summer of Code

Project administrator for open source contribution program

fingerprint-oss sponsored by Netlify and Cloudflare

Project sponsored by Netlify and Cloudflare

100+ GitHub Stars on open source projects

Earned 100+ stars across open source projects

Collaborated with 20+ Developers Worldwide

Received contributions from over 20 developers globally, including engineers from MAANG companies.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Akshat Kotpalliwar and what do you do?

I am a Backend Developer at bettercompanies.com who designs and ships production-grade web backends, APIs, and internal tools. I focus on building reliable systems in JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, and Python with a strong emphasis on performance and developer experience.

What is your primary tech stack?

On the backend, I primarily work with Python (FastAPI) and Node.js (Express) using TypeScript or JavaScript. For databases, I specialize in PostgreSQL for robust relational data modeling. On the frontend, I use React and Next.js for scalable user interfaces.

Do you have experience with cloud deployments and infrastructure?

Yes. I actively manage application deployments on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and VPS environments. I have experience setting up Docker containers, Linux servers, Nginx configurations, and building CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.

What kind of problems do you enjoy solving?

I enjoy working on backend-heavy problems such as designing APIs, building robust data pipelines, introducing authentication and RBAC, and optimizing infrastructure. I also care about making tools and libraries that remove friction for other engineers.

Do you write technical content?

Absolutely. I maintain an active tech blog on this site and a YouTube channel where I share tutorials on web development, backend design, infrastructure setups (like Linux/WSL), and open source tools.

What makes your open source work useful for teams?

I maintain several npm and PyPI packages that are already used in real projects, including utilities for logging, email validation, and client fingerprinting. These projects are built with clear APIs, documentation, and a focus on real-world reliability.

Are you open to new roles or collaboration?

Yes. I am open to full-time roles, impactful open source collaboration, and selective consulting work where I can help teams ship reliable, well-structured systems and libraries.

How can someone contact or hire you?

The easiest way to reach me is through the contact links on this portfolio or via LinkedIn. I respond fastest to concise messages that include context about your team, problem, and expected scope.

An idiot admires complexity, a genius admires simplicity

- Terry A. Davis (creator of TempleOS)

Free software is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of 'free' as in 'free speech,' not as in 'free beer.'

- Richard M. Stallman