Legacy Slows You Down.
I Make You Faster.

I'm Floris, an independent contractor in Haarlem with 30+ years of programming experience. I've built e-commerce platforms and three open-source tools (Canvas, ObjectQuel, WakaPAC), and spent the last decade focusing on legacy modernization. I handle any complex PHP or JavaScript work — from greenfield development to transforming unmaintainable systems into maintainable, productive platforms.

Direct Access to 30+ Years of Development Experience

I modernize legacy PHP systems with controlled, incremental improvements to performance and security—no risky rewrites. You work directly with me: fast decisions, clear communication, no corporate overhead. Creator of Canvas, ObjectQuel, and WakaPAC. Available 3–4 days per week for contract work.

Key Facts
  • Independent contractor (ZZP) for direct collaboration
  • 30+ years of programming experience (BASIC → Pascal → C/C++ → PHP/JS)
  • Creator of Canvas, ObjectQuel, WakaPAC (open source)
  • Available through Freelance.nl or direct engagement
  • Based in Haarlem, Netherlands

The Tools I've Built

I've spent years building these three tools to handle the specific problems that come up in legacy PHP work. These are open-source tools I deploy when they fit the problem.

Canvas Framework

PHP framework for gradual legacy transformation. Handles mixed old/new code during migration, provides clean separation of concerns, and enables incremental refactoring without big-bang rewrites.

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ObjectQuel ORM

A domain-level query engine with ORM capabilities and an expressive query language. Makes complex database logic readable, supports temporal data and rich relationships, and minimizes SQL string handling.

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WakaPAC Library

JavaScript reactive framework with an event model modeled after desktop APIs, enabling precise and predictable handling of complex interactions.

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What I Do

PHP and JavaScript development, architecture, and modernization.

Legacy System Modernization

Turn fragile, hard-to-change systems into software you can safely evolve. I reduce technical risk, shorten release cycles, and create a clear path forward by untangling legacy code and stabilizing the core business logic. You get a realistic modernization plan that improves maintainability without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Full-Stack Development

I help teams deliver features faster and with fewer regressions. I work directly in your current codebase, from backend logic and APIs to front-end behavior. Where it adds clear value, I can deploy my own stack (Canvas, ObjectQuel, WakaPAC) to improve development speed and maintainability—without forcing unnecessary rewrites.

System Health

I identify and fix the issues that slow teams down or put systems at risk. This includes improving security, performance, and operational stability. When needed, I apply components from my own stack to introduce stronger structure, testing, or observability—always focused on measurable reliability gains.

30+ Years: From BASIC to Modern Web Development

I started programming at age 9 with BASIC, moved through Pascal and C/C++, and have been working with PHP since version 5 and JavaScript since the early DOM days. I've built e-commerce platforms, custom CMSes, and spent the last decade focusing on legacy modernization. I understand old patterns because I've written them, maintained them, and refactored them. Canvas, ObjectQuel, and WakaPAC represent 30+ years of experience distilled into tools that work in practice.

  • Pattern recognition: Quickly identify architectural issues from years of solving similar problems across different codebases
  • Direct responsibility: I maintain the tools I use — active development keeps them current with PHP and JavaScript ecosystem changes
  • Independent contractor: Direct communication, fast decisions, no sales overhead or corporate approval processes
  • Continuous improvement: Client work informs tool development, tool improvements benefit all projects
Get in Touch

Let's Talk About Your Project

Need experienced PHP or JavaScript development? Dealing with a legacy codebase that's hard to change? Looking for someone who's seen these problems before? Send me a message and I'll let you know if I can help.

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Location

Haarlem, Netherlands