// full-stack python developer
Niles McCrystal · SystemCoder99
I build CLI tools, APIs, and backend systems with a focus on clarity, accessibility, and getting things right the first time.
// about me
I'm Niles McCrystal, a mid-level full-stack developer with a focus on Python — building everything from terminal applications and REST APIs to full cross-platform desktop apps. I specialise in tools that are clean to use, well-documented, and built to last.
One of the things I care most about is accessibility. I'm dyslexic and have auditory processing difficulties, which means I think carefully about how information is communicated — both in the software I build and in how I work with teams. I've developed tools specifically to improve accessibility in the workplace, and that perspective shapes everything I make.
Because of my auditory processing difficulties, I adopted spec-driven development as a core part of how I work. Rather than relying on back-and-forth verbal clarification, I make sure requirements are fully defined upfront — which means less rework, clearer pull requests, and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Spec-first, accessibility-minded, and pragmatic. I'd rather spend time getting requirements right than revisiting finished work.
Mid-level full-stack developer. Comfortable across the whole stack, with a strong preference for Python backends and CLI tooling.
APIs, terminal apps, automation tools, and real-world software that solves genuine problems — often starting from personal need.
I work best with clear written specs and async communication. I'm thorough, considered, and tend to think about edge cases early.
// things i've built
A mix of professional work and personal tools — some finished, some growing.
// professional work
A tool built on top of our internal build and deploy framework to add full monorepo support. Started as a solo project over 8 months before growing into a team effort as adoption expanded — a sign of how much it came to be relied upon.
Laid the groundwork to onboard UV as the company-wide standard for Python development — configuring the developer environment so that UV is automatically set up on first use, pointing to the internal package index rather than public PyPI.
Built a custom AI skill that bridges Spec-Kit (a spec-driven development tool by GitHub) with Jira — automatically transforming short ticket descriptions into fully-scoped feature request specs. I also advocate for spec-driven development as an accessibility practice, for both humans and AI agents alike.
A workplace accessibility tool that applies coloured screen tints for users who benefit from them — particularly those with dyslexia or visual stress. Built after recognising that existing solutions were either expensive, clunky, or unavailable on managed systems.
// personal projects
A native Windows desktop application for plural systems — groups of people who share a single body. Patchwork gives systems a private, local-first space to document their members, track fronting history, and stay connected with trusted friends. Built with genuine care for the community it serves.
A build, deploy, and run orchestration tool that watches for new releases of configured projects, gracefully shuts down the running version, updates, and restarts — automatically. Designed to take the manual work out of keeping self-hosted projects up to date.
A collection of practical Discord bots built to solve real everyday problems. Each bot does one thing well rather than trying to do everything.
// what i work with
// get in touch
I'm open to freelance work, contract roles, and interesting full-time opportunities — especially anything involving Python tooling, API development, or accessibility-focused software. Written communication works best for me.