Hi, I’m Erik van Baaren

I’m a software developer based near Amsterdam, with over 25 years of experience and a Master’s degree in computer science. As The Dutch Dev, I build and run websites and web applications, and I love teaching people how to code.

My best-known project is Python Land, where beginners and intermediate programmers learn Python through free tutorials and interactive courses. Next to that, I take on consulting and contract work, from full-stack development and system design to websites for small businesses.

Have a project in mind? Get in touch.

def welcome(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")

welcome('Visitor')Code language: Python (python)

Projects

Homepage of the Python Land learning platform with free Python courses

Python Land Learning Platform

My new learning platform for Python Land: free, interactive Python courses with exercises you run right in your browser. Available in English, Dutch and German.

Homepage of Python Land with interactive Python courses you run in your browser

Python Land

Free Python tutorials and articles that take you from the basics to practical, real-world topics.

Homepage of Go Tutorial with free Go lessons for beginners

Go Tutorial

Free Go lessons for complete beginners. You start at Hello, world and build up to real programs, one small program at a time, in six stages.

Homepage of Markdown Land, explaining what Markdown is and how to use it

Markdown Land

Learn Markdown in plain English: what it is, where it’s used and how to write it, with a cheat sheet and examples you can copy.

Kavely route planner showing a map of the Netherlands with a walking loop search

Kavely

Choose a place and a distance, and Kavely finds a good route: a walk or running loop, a bike ride, a drive by car or motorcycle, or even a horse ride. Routes are ranked on nature, quiet roads and unpaved paths, and Kavely explains why each one is worth taking.

Homepage of the Rowdy's Klusbedrijf website

Rowdy’s Klusbedrijf

Website I designed and built for Rowdy’s Klusbedrijf, a Dutch handyman business for jobs inside and outside the home.

Want to hire me?

I’m available for consulting and contract work, though not full-time. I can help with:

  • Full-stack web development
  • System design and architecture
  • Data platforms like Kafka, Elasticsearch, Spark and Flink, with 10+ years of corporate experience
  • Self-hosting and Linux server administration

I mostly work in Python, Go, Java and TypeScript (Angular), and I prefer Docker on my own servers or a VPS over expensive serverless setups.

Get in touch to discuss your project.