Introduction
Scott McMahan has been a professional software developer since 1993, and a part-time writer. Because Scott has been involved with the Internet and the web since about 1992, he made this web site to tell more about himself and his career.
At the current time, I am working exclusively with the Linux and UNIX platforms, as well as the mainframe. I primarily work on crafting in software the implementation and design of solutions, usually blazing a trail, starting from scratch in areas where no software solutions have ever been created.
Because what matters most in the software development world is working solutions that produce results, I have made this site to be project-oriented, showing how I crafted working solutions to problems.
I have always been what is described as a "toolsmith", that is someone who writes programs that take care of specific tasks, but which are extensible, adaptable platforms for building new functionality on top of as tasks change. I also have a reputation for building very solid, robust software.
I have worked mostly with small businesses, which has given me much insight into how business works, from product development to beta testing to releases to customer care, as well as the revenue generation, budgeting, and other important back-end issues. I've come to appreciate the importance of customer satisfaction.
"Scott's quality of work is exceptional. He documents thoroughly all procedures that he performs in a very concise manner. ... Scott has shown the initiative to develop new skills. ... Scott has shown superb analytical skills and a very methodical approach to problem solving. He is very quick to grasp the nature of a given problem and his in depth knowledge of computer science allows him to provide exceptional research. ... I have found it a pleasure to work with Scott and consider him an extremely valuable asset to the company. I would place him at or near the top of all...employees as regards technical skills and capabilities."
(This quotation is from my supervisor, the Director of Development and Support, in a recent performance appraisal. He was also in the Marine Corps for twenty years, so he has high standard of excellence.)