A day in the life of… Attila – Web Developer at Torpedo

Keen to know what it’s like to build and maintain websites and explore new technologies? Ever dreamed of building a Gundam when you were growing up? Our Web Developer Attila gives us some insights into his role and explains how he got here. 

What’s your role at Torpedo, and how long have you been here?

I am a Web Developer, and I have been with Torpedo for nearly 6 years.  

What exactly does your role entail? Can you run us through what you might get up today, for example?

My role is quite varied, which is what makes it exciting. I work on building and maintaining websites, exploring new technologies, and creating proof-of-concept solutions when something new is worth testing. On a typical day, that might mean switching between hands-on development, troubleshooting issues, and helping teammates out – I’m usually the one who “always has five minutes” when someone needs a hand. 

What tools/resources/people do you depend on to get your job done?

From a tools perspective, I rely on Docker, PHPStorm and a range of Node and Composer packages, along with Codex as an AI helper. I also make regular use of terminal tools like tmux and vim, depending on the task at hand. In terms of resources, a reliable laptop and a good internet connection are really all I need. 

People-wise, I work closely with project managers and the client services team on most projects, and I’m often brought into client discussions when there’s a technical challenge that needs a deeper dive. 

What do you love most about your job at Torpedo? What’s the highlight of your day?

I used to say it was the constant challenge of mastering all the technologies Torpedo throws at me – and I still enjoy that – but I’ve reached a point where the interactions with colleagues are just as rewarding. Most meetings are relaxed and light-hearted, which makes collaboration enjoyable and genuinely lifts my energy throughout the day. The highlight for me is solving problems together in that positive, easy-going atmosphere. 

And what do you find most challenging?

The main challenge is making sure there’s always enough work to dive into, as I enjoy staying busy and taking on new problems. 

Is there a particular piece of work/project that you’re really proud of?

One project I’m particularly proud of is the Certainty API, which I worked on with Jez. I really enjoy backend development, and this project stood out because of the setup, the interaction with the SOAP API, and the opportunity to thoroughly unit test every part of the functionality. It was a challenging piece of work, and very rewarding to see it come together. 

What did you see yourself doing when you were a kid?

Like many kids at that age, I dreamed of building huge Gundams (fictional piloted robots controlled by humans, featured in an anime series). 

If you weren’t a web developer , what do you think you’d be?

If I weren’t a web developer, I think I’d be working in embedded software development — it’s something I’ve always been interested in. 

What made you choose this career path? How did you get to where you are today?

I knew I wanted to become a developer quite early on, around the end of elementary school. At the time, virtual reality wasn’t really a thing yet, but I was fascinated by the idea of creating digital spaces that could offer more than a simple room with four walls. 

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy or linear. The journey involved a lot of persistence and sacrifice – completing a bachelor’s degree, taking on different jobs to support myself, studying English, and spending years working in kitchens before eventually earning a master’s degree in London. It took a great deal of determination, and one opportunity that finally paid off, but that long and challenging path shaped how I work and how much I value where I am today. 

When your OOO is on, what are you likely to be doing?

When I’m out of office, I usually end up doing a different kind of programming. I enjoy working on more low-level projects and experimenting with languages and concepts I don’t get to use in my day-to-day work. When I’m not coding, you’ll most likely find me in the garden, fixing or building something and enjoying a slower pace outdoors. 

What’s your favourite memory of working at Torpedo to date?

My favourite memory so far has to be the time spent at the Torpedo badminton sessions. They were a great way to switch off, have fun together, and connect with colleagues outside of day-to-day work.  

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever been given?

The best piece of professional advice I’ve been given is to use the “Do Not Disturb” button on Teams when things get busy. It’s a small habit, but it makes a big difference for focus and productivity.