Jeff Smits
Research Software Engineer at Delft University of Technology
Delft, South Holland, Netherlands
Summary
👤
Senior🎓
Top SchoolJeff Smits is a Research Software Engineer with a PhD from Delft University of Technology and 13 years of experience building programming languages, compilers, and developer tooling. He specializes in language design and implementation—from grammars and static analyses to runtime systems—and has a track record of improving language ecosystems and tooling, as reflected in contributions to the Elm compiler and website. His academic work focused on "Strategic Language Workbench Improvements," bridging meta-level language frameworks and practical compiler engineering. Comfortable in both research and applied settings, he has iterated on core libraries (e.g., Automaton refactors) and taught compiler techniques during internships at Oracle Labs. Based in Delft, he combines deep theoretical interests (functional programming, computability, complexity) with hands-on experience shipping robust language infrastructure.
13 years of coding experience
4 years of employment as a software developer
Gymnasium diploma, Gymnasium, Gymnasium diploma, Gymnasium at Coornhert Gymnasium GoudaDoctor of Philosophy (PhD), Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Computer Science at Delft University of Technology
Dutch, English
Github Skills (19)
webgl10
elm10
compiler-compiler10
front-end-development10
compiler10
functional-programming10
website-development9
website-design9
data-structures8
svg8
data-structure8
algorithms8
algorithm8
graphic7
blogger4
Programming languages (16)
Github contributions (5)
elm/elm-lang.org
Dec 2014 - May 2015
Server and client code for the Elm website.
Role in this project:
Front-end Developer
Front-end DeveloperContributions:8 commits, 2 PRs, 15 comments in 4 months
Contributions summary:Jeff primarily contributed to the frontend of the Elm website, as evidenced by their commits. They focused on updating the website's visuals, including switching the logo to SVG format, and implemented Elm-based examples. The user also adapted existing examples to the new API. The commits demonstrate a focus on user interface elements and web graphics.
elmclient-code
elm/compiler
Sep 2013 - May 2014
Compiler for Elm, a functional language for reliable webapps.
Role in this project:Backend Developer
Backend DeveloperContributions:6 commits, 87 comments, 6 issues in 9 months
Contributions summary:Jeff focused on refactoring and improving the `Automaton` library, a core component of the Elm compiler. They rewrote parts of the library, including the use of CPS, and renamed functions and removed operators based on feedback. Furthermore, the user updated the codebase, renaming the rewritten `Automaton` library to `AutomatonV2` and restoring the original library. This indicates a significant role in maintaining and enhancing the core functionality of the compiler.
functional-languageelmreliablecompilerwebapps
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