Brett Terpstra

Profile

Dynamic writer, podcaster, and software developer with over 25 years of experience in writing, documenting, and marketing software. For the past 20 years, I’ve passionately advocated for developer tools, and have effectively served as a Developer Advocate at Oracle for the last four years. My diverse programming skills include HTML/CSS, JavaScript (vanilla, jQuery, Angular, React, Vue), C/C++, Ruby, Objective-C, Swift, Python, and more.

I graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2000, earning a BA in Interactive Multimedia (Web Design). My career spans roles from Art Director and firm founder to Senior Front-End Developer at Aol Tech, and transitioning to Developer Relations at Oracle, where I focused on enhancing developer engagement and technical writing.

I am the creator of multiple celebrated apps, including nvALT, Marked 2, and Bunch.

Experience

Oracle

Principal Technical Writer • May 2021 – January 2022
Principal Software Developer • January 2022 – April 2025

• Developed a GitHub to Oracle Content Management (OCM) pipeline using Jekyll, enhancing the Markdown editing process and creating an efficient workflow for writers.
• Managed the Oracle DevRel GitHub organization, overseeing repository creation, maintenance of over 200 repositories, and automation pipelines.
• Led a team of technical writers, producing over 100 technical documents within a year for developer.oracle.com and blogs.oracle.com.
• Produced screencasts and demo videos for Oracle’s AI Hub, generating developer interest and engagement.

Independent

January 2014 – May 2021

• Developed commercial Mac applications, including Marked 2 and the upcoming nvUltra.
• Consulted in web development and productivity, and contributed to several online platforms, including MacStories and Lifehacker.
• Expanded the audience of BrettTerpstra.com where I host my own writing and multitude of projects

Aol Tech

Contract developer • July 2009 – March 2011.
Senior Front End Developer • March 2011 – January 2014

• Led the front-end development for high-traffic blogs, such as Engadget and TUAW, managing a team to successfully execute major projects
• Led the relaunch of Engadget in 2014
• Implemented JavaScript, HTML, and CSS technologies, and enhanced the core Blogsmith platform through PHP extensions.

Agilebits

Chief Media Producer • October 2010 – February 2011

• Managed web properties and PR, while developing in both PHP and Ruby on Rails.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Author/Blogger • 2007 – 2011

• Wrote as a staff blogger
• Developed the Blogsmith Blogging Bundle for TextMate and contributed significant content, leading to my role in Aol Tech.

Circle Six Design

Owner • January 2006 – February 2009

• Managed client projects in web design, development, and audio/video production.

Knitcraft/St. Croix

Art Director/Web Developer • July 2001 – December 2005

• Directed e-commerce initiatives and branding efforts for a chain of boutique shops.

Other

As a member of the Mac “power user” community, I’ve spoken at ALTConf, Macworld, and Macstock, organized meet-ups at WWDC, and have published two titles on iBooks.

Education

Minneapolis College of Art And Design, Minneapolis, MN

BA Interactive Multimedia, 2000

Skills

Summary

I have a wide range of skills in coding/writing.

• HTML, CSS, and responsive web design
• JavaScript, React, jQuery with some experience with other frameworks (Angular, Vue)
• PHP, Ruby, and Python scripting
• Expert on Mac and Unix platforms with command line proficiency
• Objective-C, Swift, and Mac development
• Excellent prose and technical writing skills
• A decade of developer advocacy
• 15 years of customer support experience
• Leadership/team management
• Git/GitHub proficiency
• Expert on Markdown

Programming

I have a core set of languages in which I consider myself highly proficient (Ruby, Objective-C), and myriad languages I’m comfortable working in and always learning more about (e.g. Python, Swift). I’m capable of picking up new languages quickly as needs arise.

Writing

I have strong English language skills, spoken and written, bridging both grammar and style. My writing is both technical and approachable in nature, and I’ve been credited by many new programmers with having provided them an accessible entry point to a concept. I internalize any style guide I’m given and can easily write for the target publication.

Over the years I’ve developed help documents for projects like Marked 2 (documentation), Bunch (documentation), and all of my various projects, ranging from detailed README files to full websites. I’ve also developed documentation for other applications, including Fantastical by Flexibits.

I’ve contributed to several major publications, including O’Reilly’s Mac Hacks, and co-authored the interactive books 60 Mac Tips Volumes 1 and 2 for Apple’s iBookstore and Vimeo release.

I blog regularly and have developed an audience (50k+/week) with whom I enjoy interacting. I’ve also published work on The Unofficial Apple Weblog, Macworld (print and web), MacStories, and LifeHacker, as well as the Terminus project for Warp.

Developer Advocacy

In addition to four years of work with Oracle’s Developer Relations team, I’ve been communicating with developers for 20 years. I understand the needs and desires of developers, and can tailor content to meet them where they are, at any level of experience.

I’ve advocated for Oracle’s AI technologies, developing content and campaigns, along with handling all support for my own developer tools.

Leadership & Collaboration

I work well with others, and naturally take a leadership role. In times when that leadership role has led to a management position, I’ve done an excellent job of hearing the needs of my reports, guiding them in their projects, and acting as a conduit between upper management and my team to accomplish large goals on time. I have experience with Agile workflows.

I communicate well, whether in email, one-on-one, or in meeting settings. I accept criticism, understand goals, and convey my feelings and opinions easily.

I will say what’s on my mind, but am careful not to hurt others, and am very aware of differing needs within a team. I have often been told after meetings, “Thank you for saying that, I didn’t have the nerve.” I wear this as a badge of honor.

Creative Problem Solving:

I have strong analytical skills with a knack for tackling complex challenges and coding automation tools.

Git/GitHub

In addition to managing the entire Oracle DevRel GitHub organization, I use Git for version control on all of my personal projects, and GitHub hosting for all of my open source work (and some private repositories). I’m well-versed in command line Git, apps like Tower and GitKraken, and have experience using GitHub Pull Requests, Issues, and Discussions. I also have experience developing GitHub Actions as pipelines for CI/CD and automation.

Markdown

I’m extremely proficient in Markdown, and wrote the Markdown style guide for Oracle DevRel. I can tell you every difference between MultiMarkdown, Discount, Maruku, Kramdown, PHP Markdown Extra, GitHub Flavored Markdown, and any other flavor of Markdown. I know how to write Markdown that will translate across platforms and processors, and how to leverage the specific strengths of any Markdown processor.

Activities

Coding

I spend my free time coding automation and productivity apps and scripts. In addition to my Mac apps, I’ve authored and supported myriad open source, including Doing (command line project/time tracking), mdless (a command line Markdown pager), the MarkdownEditing package for Sublime Text, and NA (command line interaction with TaskPaper files).

In the process of documenting my projects, I’ve built helpful tools like NiftyMenu and a Keyboard Maestro macro for cross-linking Markdown documents.

I love problem solving, and find complex regular expressions a relaxing endeavor.

Music

I enjoy blending music and technology, and do a lot of home recording. My punk rock tour days are behind me (videos available upon request), but I continue to enjoy the process of composing and the technical details of production.

References

Professional and personal references are available and will be furnished upon request.

Elsewhere