Get to know Alex

As our backend developer extraordinaire, Alex is the architect behind the scenes, building robust systems that power our most complex projects. With a computer science degree from Manchester University and five years at a major tech company, Alex brings enterprise-level expertise with a startup mindset. Known for solving problems others deem "impossible," Alex has saved the day more times than we can count. A former competitive chess player, Alex approaches coding challenges with the same strategic thinking, always planning several moves ahead. When not deep in code, you'll find Alex hiking in the Peak District or attempting to perfect an authentic ramen recipe.

What's the most satisfying part of backend development for you?

"There's something deeply satisfying about building systems that handle millions of operations efficiently. Frontend work gets all the glory because people can see it, but a well-crafted backend is like the foundation of a building, invisible yet absolutely crucial. I love optimising database queries and seeing response times drop from seconds to milliseconds. Those improvements might seem small, but they add up to create experiences that feel magical to users, even if they don't know why."

How do you approach security in your development work?

"Security isn't a feature, it's a fundamental requirement that should be baked into every line of code from day one. At Modal, we implement security best practices at every stage of development. I'm particularly vigilant about data protection, especially with the projects we handle for financial and healthcare clients. We regularly conduct internal code reviews specifically focused on security, and I stay up-to-date on emerging threats. In this field, you can never be too careful or too prepared."

What's your favourite tech stack for backend development?

I'm a big fan of Webflow with GSAP, it allows for rapid iteration while maintaining scalability. For database work, I prefer PostgreSQL for relational data, though I've been exploring MongoDB for projects where document structure makes more sense. Recently, I've been experimenting with GraphQL to give our frontend team more flexibility in how they consume data. At Modal, we're always evaluating new technologies, but we're careful not to adopt them just because they're trendy."

Any advice for aspiring backend developers?

"Master the fundamentals before chasing the latest frameworks. Understanding data structures, algorithms, and system design principles will serve you better in the long run than knowing the hottest new library. Also, learn to read other people's code, it's a skill that's often overlooked but incredibly valuable. And don't underestimate the importance of documentation! Your future self (and your colleagues) will thank you for taking the time to document your work properly.