Bilal Baloch

PHP Developer | Self-Employed (Freelance) | 2023 – Present  

In my freelance role as a PHP Developer, I have independently managed a variety of client projects, focusing on creating custom web applications that meet specific business needs. Using technologies like PHP, Laravel, React, Node.js, and SQL, I design and implement scalable systems capable of handling increased user loads without compromising speed or functionality. For instance, in one e-commerce project, I integrated secure payment gateways and real-time inventory management, which led to a 25% increase in user engagement as reported by the client through analytics tools. I prioritize performance optimization by conducting code reviews, refactoring inefficient sections, and incorporating caching mechanisms like Redis to reduce load times. Bug fixing and troubleshooting form a core part of my workflow; I use tools such as Xdebug and PHPUnit to diagnose issues quickly, ensuring minimal disruptions. Client collaboration is essential—I hold regular virtual meetings to gather detailed requirements, create wireframes using Figma, and iterate based on feedback, which has helped me maintain a 100% client retention rate over the past two years. Additionally, I handle full project lifecycles, including deployment to hosting platforms like Heroku or DigitalOcean, setting up CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions, and providing post-launch support. This autonomy has sharpened my time management skills and allowed me to experiment with emerging trends, such as serverless architectures and progressive web apps (PWAs), to deliver cutting-edge solutions that exceed expectations.

Junior Web Developer | Websolapp | 2019 – 2023  

As a Junior Web Developer at Websolapp, I played a key role in collaborative team environments, contributing to the development and maintenance of dynamic websites and applications. My technical stack included Core PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, jQuery, AJAX, CodeIgniter, Laravel, and CakePHP, which I used to build features like user authentication systems, content management dashboards, and interactive forms. These efforts resulted in a measurable 30% improvement in overall performance and user experience, achieved through optimizations such as minifying assets and implementing lazy loading for media. I was responsible for identifying and resolving critical bugs, employing systematic approaches like logging errors with tools such as Sentry and conducting unit tests, which reduced downtime by 40% across multiple projects. Working closely with clients, I translated vague requirements into precise technical specifications by creating user stories and prototypes, ensuring all deliverables aligned with timelines and budgets. I also developed comprehensive data backup and recovery protocols, automating daily snapshots using cron jobs and cloud storage integrations with AWS S3, which minimized data loss risks and supported seamless business operations during outages. This role involved agile practices, including daily stand-ups and sprint retrospectives, where I often took initiative to mentor new team members and coordinate with designers and QA testers for integrated workflows.

Intern Web Developer | Websolapp | 2018 – 2019  

During my internship at Websolapp as a Web Developer, I gained foundational experience by assisting senior developers on real-world projects. I contributed to building basic components of web applications using HTML5, introductory PHP, JavaScript, and simple frameworks, such as creating static pages and integrating form validations. This hands-on involvement helped me understand the importance of clean, maintainable code from the ground up. I supported troubleshooting by addressing minor bugs, like fixing CSS inconsistencies or JavaScript errors, which introduced me to debugging techniques and version control with Git. Participating in client meetings, I learned to document requirements effectively and contribute ideas during brainstorming sessions, enhancing my communication skills. Routine tasks included managing data entries in MySQL databases, performing basic API integrations, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility. This period was crucial for developing a user-centric mindset, as I focused on accessibility features like ARIA attributes and responsive layouts using Bootstrap. Overall, the internship provided a solid launchpad, exposing me to the full software development lifecycle and fostering teamwork in a professional setting.