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James Whitford

Frontend Developer & Software Technical Writer

[email protected] Pretoria, South Africa LinkedIn GitHub Portfolio

Skills

Frontend Development

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, TypeScript, Next.js, HTMx

Backend Development

Node.js, Express.js, RESTful APIs, OAuth, API integration

Databases

MongoDB, MySQL, Redis, Firebase Storage

Technical Writing

API documentation, Integration guides, Migration tutorials, SEO content, Developer tutorials

AI Workflows

Claude Code, Agentic workflows, Multi-agent systems, RAG pipelines, n8n, Zapier, Letta, Prompt engineering

Dev Tools

Git, Vercel, Jest, ESLint, Webpack, Docker

Languages

Python, Java, SQL

Certifications

IBM Generative AI for Software Developers

IBM / Coursera

Meta Frontend Developer

Meta / Coursera

Unity Programmer Pathway

Unity · 12 weeks

Google UX Design Certification

Google

Software Engineering Bootcamp

HyperionDev

Education

Bachelor of Arts

Philosophy and Politics

University of South Africa

2016-01 - 2021-01

Profile

Frontend Developer, Software Technical Writer, and AI-native practitioner with 4 years of specialized experience building full-stack applications and creating technical documentation for industry-leading technology companies.

Develops production AI workflows using agents, subagents, RAG systems, and automation pipelines as a core part of daily work, using Claude Code as a primary development tool.

Unique combination of hands-on development, AI workflow expertise, and technical writing produces authentic, code-backed content that drives user adoption and consistently achieves top search rankings.

Experience

Frontend Developer & Software Technical Writer (Contract)
2022 - present

Ritza · Remote

  • • Authored API documentation, integration guides, migration walkthroughs, product tutorials, and developer tool comparisons for Bryntum, Sourcegraph, Code Capsules, Release, Replit, Letta, Cerebrium, and Sentry.
  • • Developed responsive front-end and full-stack applications using HTMx, React, and Express.js with API authentication, OAuth, and database integrations.
  • • Builds and documents production AI workflows using agents, subagents, RAG pipelines, and automation tools (n8n, Zapier) as a core part of daily work.
  • • Authored multi-agent pattern guides, SDK migration documentation, and feature documentation for Letta, an AI agent memory platform.
  • • Multiple pieces have reached the Hacker News front page, including the Cerebrium/vLLM migration guide, the Sourcegraph Zig article, and pieces on tldraw and GLM.
  • • Documentation and articles consistently rank #1 in search results, reducing customer support tickets and accelerating product adoption.
  • • Performed quality assurance on other writers' code and documentation to ensure high client standards.
  • • Mastered new technologies on tight deadlines, producing working software and documentation within days of initial client briefs.
Code Reviewer
2022-01 - 2022-04

CoGrammar · Remote

  • • Assessed and provided feedback on code submissions in Python, Java, SQL, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • • Ensured code accuracy, style, efficiency, and documentation to high technical standards.
  • • Delivered constructive, educational feedback to help developers improve skills.
Operations Manager
2023-05 - 2025-02

Equleni Guest Farm · Sedgefield, South Africa

  • • Managed team responsible for maintenance, guest communications, accounts, design, and overall guest experience.
  • • Redesigned operational workflows to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.
  • • Executed strategic branding initiatives that elevated market presence, contributing to consistent five-star reviews.
English Second Language Teacher
2021-04 - 2022-01

Whales English · Remote

  • • Taught immersive English lessons to students aged 3-18 in China using National Geographic and Oxford curricula.
  • • Developed skills in virtual instruction, cross-cultural communication, and adaptive teaching.

Featured Projects

Migrate from OpenAI to Cerebrium with vLLM

AI/ML

One of several pieces to reach the Hacker News front page.

Link

Smarter Debugging with Sentry MCP for Cursor

AI/ML

Published on the official Sentry blog.

Link

Building a Full Stack App With Express and HTMx

Full-Stack

Top Google search result for HTMx/Express tutorials.

Link

Can My AI Agent Order Me a Burger With Mr D?

AI/ML

Reverse-engineered a private delivery API and built an MCP server so an agent can order end to end.

Link

Which Payment Processor Do AI Agents Recommend?

AI/ML

Agent experience comparison of Yoco, PayFast, and Paystack, tested from primary sources.

Link