Kris Kowal

Current

• Software Engineer at Fastsoft Inc.

Past

• Software Engineer at Apple Inc.
• UNIX System Administrator at Cal Poly Computer Science Department
• Web Developer and Computer Technician at Moorpark Community College

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Education

• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
• Moorpark College
• Simi Valley High School

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Recommended

1 person has recommended Kris

Connections

92 connections

Industry

Computer Software

Kris Kowal’s Summary

I work primarily in end-to-end web application development. I am presently exploring Javascript and Python for elegant solutions to perennial problems.

I have been working with the CommonJS working group to develop standards for JavaScript outside of the web browser, and am one of the core contributors to Narwhal, a multi-engine JavaScript standard library and package management system, with Tom Robinson from 280 North.

Ryan Witt and I started a social group for Python Django developers in the Los Angeles area.

Years ago, I created a static web content and template management language called SWL in Perl. SWL presaged the appearance of the multitudes of abbreviated HTML markup languages like Markdown and Textile, and still differentiates itself from the pack by providing a system for macros and contextual templates.

I dabbled in advanced designs for template libraries in C++. I've developed a web service layer on the Twisted library for Python and created a full module and type system for Javascript modeled after Python's import semantics and monotonic resolution order. For exercise, I make games.

I've also been playing the Euphonium in various ensembles since about 1993, enjoy European board games and real time strategy games, and know a bit of German and Elvish.

Kris Kowal’s Specialties:

web applications, programming languages

Kris Kowal’s Experience

• Software Engineer

  Fastsoft Inc.

  (Computer Software industry)

  2008 — Present (1 year )

  I wear many hats with lots of propellors including Python, JavaScript, Django, Chiron, and FreeBSD.

• Software Engineer

  Apple Inc.

  (Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; AAPL; Computer Software industry)

  July 2006 — January 2008 (1 year 7 months)

  Mac OS X Update Integration

• UNIX System Administrator

  Cal Poly Computer Science Department

  (Educational Institution; 11-50 employees; Computer Software industry)

  June 2003 — July 2006 (3 years 2 months)

  Administrated Solaris and Fedora Core Linux systems, developed user account management automation, and developed the department website.

• Web Developer and Computer Technician

  Moorpark Community College

  (Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Computer Software industry)

  December 1999 — July 2002 (2 years 8 months)

  I designed Moorpark College's web identity, posted periodic content, and developed their online directory, class schedule, and class catalog web page automation.

Kris Kowal’s Education

• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

  Bachelor , Computer Science , 2002 — 2006

  Activities and Societies:

  Wind Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, University Singers, Fencing Club

• Moorpark College

  Activities and Societies:

  Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Physics Lounge Vagrant

• Simi Valley High School

Additional Information

Kris Kowal’s Interests:

programming languages, framework development, library development, abstraction, patterns, distributed computing, python, javascript, django, chiron, twisted, mud development, immersive simulation development, music, physics of harmony, euphonium, backpacking, bicycling, tuba, german, elvish, constructed languages, phonetics, caligraphy, german board games, sustainable civilization

Kris Kowal’s Groups:

Video Game and Anime Tribute Concert

•    Python Community
•    Open Source Universe
•    Apple Alumni
•    California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo Alumni
•    Apple - Current and Former Employees
•    Staley Survivors
•    Server Side JavaScript
•    End to End Web Developers
•    JSConf EU

Kris Kowal’s Honors:

Fred Kavli Scholarship in Computer Science, 2002
California All-State High School Honor Band, 1999
Vigil Honor, Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

Kris Kowal’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• expertise requests
• reference requests
• getting back in touch