Skillful
Local-first platform for managing reusable AI workflows and organisational knowledge.
Rick van Lieshout
CTO, software architect and engineering leader focused on building great software, growing teams and solving complex technical challenges.
© All rights reserved.
Featured Work
A few open-source projects and tools I've built or maintained over the years.
Latest Articles
I wanted a lighter runtime like Electrobun, shipping reality chose Electron
Why [Skillful](https://github.com/mastermindzh/skillful) switched from Electrobun back to Electron, and what that taught me about desktop architecture, packaging and runtime seams.
Read (9 min read)The Reality of Distributed Systems: Everything Gets Harder
Distributed systems promise scalability and flexibility, but they come with a cost. Once you cross that boundary, everything gets harder.
Read (7 min read)Boundaries: Where to Draw the Line
Most architectural problems are boundary problems. Knowing where to draw the line, and when to redraw it, is one of the hardest parts of building software systems.
Read (6 min read)Synchronous vs Asynchronous Communication: When to Call and When to Publish
Synchronous and asynchronous communication are not opposing choices, they are complementary tools. Understanding when to use each is key to building scalable systems.
Read (6 min read)Data Events vs Domain Events: Stop Mixing Them
Data events and domain events both have their place, but mixing them is one of the fastest ways to create confusion in event-driven systems.
Read (5 min read)