Junior full-stack developer

Django developer building practical, deployed web apps.

I am Dean Harland, an aspiring junior full-stack developer focused on Python, Django, PostgreSQL, JavaScript, and Heroku deployment. I like building useful, database-backed projects with clear user flows and solid backend logic.

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Open to junior developer opportunities, remote or UK-based

Featured projects

Projects that show practical full-stack development

These are the projects I would want a recruiter or hiring manager to look at first: real Django apps, deployed where possible, with database-backed features and everyday product logic.

SimpleShop ecommerce project screenshot
Live Django eCommerce Heroku

SimpleShop

A full-stack Django ecommerce app built to practise realistic shop behaviour, backend state, and production deployment concerns.

Problem it solves: Provides a small but complete shopping flow with products, cart behaviour, checkout, user accounts, and order history.

  • Product browsing with database-backed content.
  • Session-based cart and checkout flow.
  • User authentication and order history.
  • Deployment-focused setup with hosted media/static considerations.
Live Site GitHub Repo
JobLinker job board project screenshot
Live Django PostgreSQL Heroku

JobLinker

A Django-powered job board where employers can publish roles and job seekers can browse opportunities.

Problem it solves: Brings job listings and applications into a clear web workflow with different user needs in mind.

  • Employer-facing job posting flow.
  • Job seeker browsing and application journey.
  • Django templates, views, forms, and database models.
  • Live Heroku deployment for review and testing.
Live Site GitHub Repo
SetupHQ setup recommendation builder screenshot
Live MVP Django Python PostgreSQL Heroku WhiteNoise HTML CSS JavaScript SEO Affiliate/Product Data

SetupHQ

SetupHQ is a Django web app that generates personalised desk and tech setup recommendations based on a user's budget, goals, and preferences. It combines a rule-based recommendation engine with curated product data and SEO landing pages.

Problem it solves: Helps users create budget-aware gaming, office, student, work-from-home, and streaming desk setups using curated affiliate product data.

  • Rule-based setup recommendation engine.
  • Budget-aware product matching.
  • Gaming, office, student, compact, RGB, ergonomic, WFH, and streaming setup paths.
  • Curated product database with affiliate links.
  • SEO landing pages for search-led setup guides.
  • Heroku deployment with PostgreSQL-ready configuration.
Live Site
StackPilot software stack recommendation project screenshot
Case Study Django Python Recommendation Logic Small Business

StackPilot

StackPilot is a Django project for recommending practical software and AI tool stacks for small businesses and freelancers based on their goals, team size, and workflow needs.

Problem it solves: Helps non-technical users narrow down software choices by turning broad business needs into clearer, category-based recommendations.

  • Rule-based software stack recommendation flow.
  • Goal-based paths for freelancers and small businesses.
  • Admin-friendly content structure for tools and categories.
  • Clear project positioning around practical decision support.
  • Useful case study for backend logic and product thinking.
Live Site

Skills

A backend-leaning full-stack toolkit

I am strongest with Python and Django, and comfortable working across templates, styling, JavaScript, deployment, and project configuration.

Backend

  • Python
  • Django
  • Django REST Framework
  • PostgreSQL
  • SQLite

Frontend

  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Bootstrap
  • Responsive UI

Deployment

  • Heroku
  • Gunicorn
  • WhiteNoise
  • Environment variables
  • Static/media files

Tools

  • Git
  • GitHub
  • VS Code
  • Command line
  • Debugging

Learning and practice

  • APIs
  • Testing
  • Accessibility
  • SEO basics
  • AI-assisted workflow

Product habits

  • Clear documentation
  • User flows
  • Readable code
  • Practical scope
  • Iterative improvement

About

Honest, practical, and ready to keep learning on a real team

I completed a full-stack bootcamp and have academic foundations from a BSc Computing for Games and an MSc Artificial Intelligence for Games. I am now focused on building real Django portfolio projects that show how I think through data, user flows, deployment, and maintainable code.

My strongest area is backend development with Django and Python, but I am comfortable working across the full stack when a project needs it. I am actively looking for junior developer opportunities, preferably remote or UK-based, where I can contribute, learn from experienced developers, and keep improving through practical work.

What I bring

Grounded junior developer value

Practical Django delivery

I can build and deploy full-stack Django apps with real database-backed behaviour.

Debugging mindset

I understand that environment settings, deployment config, static files, and data issues are part of the job.

Clear working habits

I document what I build, keep scope realistic, and use AI tools responsibly as part of a developer workflow.

Contact

Let's talk about junior developer opportunities

I am open to junior backend-leaning Django and full-stack roles. GitHub, LinkedIn, and this contact form are the quickest ways to reach me.

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