According to Open Logic's 2023 Open Source Report, 80% of polled companies worldwide said their use of open-source software over the previous year had increased. New technologies and best practices in OSS continue to emerge and lead the global tech community down new and exciting paths.
Both large and small companies are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the open-source community on their entire ecosystem: these solutions are not used by amateurs and freelancers only. Large corporations like Google, Netflix, Twitter, Amazon, and LinkedIn all actively benefit from these contributions.
We spoke with Amirali Kerimovs, a software engineer and the creator & founder of Junter—https://junter.dev/. His Open Source Software (henceforth referred to as OSS), specifically designed for transforming JSON data into HTML, has been instrumental for developers around the world. It has found application across various settings, from large corporations to small startups, empowering developers with a robust tool for their data processing needs. Junter is available on the code hosting platform GitHub for everyone who needs a simple and functional tool for their web projects. It has garnered hundreds of downloads internationally, catering to the needs of a diverse range of users.
Q: Before our interview, our editorial team spoke with various engineers, and they all concur that it is indeed a unique library and a significant contribution to open-source technology. I am very excited to speak with you today. I'd love to hear about Junter's development. What prompted you to create this Open Source Software (OSS)?
A: Thank you for such kind words. As a software engineer, I can say that open-source resources form the backbone of web development. We already have so many frameworks and libraries to build and manage websites and apps, but there's still so much improvement to make. For example, there was no truly powerful solution for such a frequent task as JSON-to-HTML conversion. All other libraries are outdated or simply lack the necessary functions. Here comes my innovative software. Junter provides pre-built functionalities and components that significantly speed up JSON-to-HTML conversion and the whole development process.
Q: Junter has been making notable strides in the tech community, proving its significance to the industry with its use by various large corporations and developers worldwide. What do you believe are the key factors behind its growing appeal and effectiveness in the industry?
A: A study from Stripe and Harris Poll, which was even reported on by CNBC, found that the average developer spends 42% of their time dealing with technical debt and maintenance issues. This is a longstanding major problem that causes companies to suffer billions of dollars in losses. Good open-source solutions like Junter are capable of solving this issue. As many of my colleagues may agree, this is not the most exciting part of our job. On the contrary, repetitive tasks quickly lead to burnout. Junter solves this problem by providing a universal tool for converting JSON data in browser or Node environments, leaving developers more space and time for the creative part of the process. I've gotten positive feedback lately from web developers at big companies like Uber, Amazon, AXA, QuantumSoft, SoftServe, ClickHouse, Elastic, and Ozon. They really like the library and support its growth. I'm working hard on it with my team, and it's getting better. I'm thankful to everyone who's helped improve it. Helping with open-source helps our industry and future.
Q: What would you say to web developers who still rely on habitual methods for JSON-to-HTML transformation, like other libraries and online converters?
A: I highly recommend downloading Junter, as it is both safe and reliable. Given that developers often handle sensitive data, it's crucial to use tools that prevent data leakage. Moreover, Junter has introduced new features, such as 'Styles' and 'Locales,' among others—five in total. These features significantly enhance developers' capabilities in managing code and improving projects of any size, be they small or large.
Q: You're currently in a leading role as the Chief Product Officer at Baches.io Inc., and I know that it's largely due to your work and management of this product that the company has achieved significant results. Focusing on building a hiring & payroll solution for Ecuador and Latin America, does your development department also use Junter?
A: Absolutely! As the Chief Product Officer, I oversee the entire development of our product, which involves defining the product vision, managing and overseeing product releases, steering feature roll-outs, and coordinating cross-functional teams. I've ensured that my team has access to the best software to aid in our tasks. Baches addresses a significant challenge: managing hiring, payroll, insurance, and taxes for households and small businesses. It's crucial to be meticulous about the tools we use in our work, given the high level of responsibility involved. This meticulousness extends to every aspect of my role, from vision to execution.
Q: What makes you believe in your success?
A: Our confidence in successfully building a nationwide product stems from a combination of cutting-edge technology and a highly skilled team. We've invested in advanced technological solutions that are crucial for handling the scale and complexity of such a project. Additionally, our team is our strongest asset. I personally ensure that each member of our engineering team is not only technically proficient but also aligned with our mission to create products that make a real difference in the lives of hardworking individuals in Ecuador and across Latin America. Their expertise and dedication are vital in developing a platform that meets the needs of our diverse user base.
Q: Can you name one tech and one non-tech accomplishment that your company has made?
A: Absolutely, I'd be happy to highlight both our technical and non-technical achievements. On the tech front, we've successfully launched our platform, which is now accessible to everyone. This was a significant milestone for us, as it demonstrates our capability to deliver innovative solutions in the tech sphere. As for our non-tech accomplishment, I'm particularly proud of our collaboration with the local government. Our partnership with EPICO is a testament to the relevance and necessity of our product in the LATAM region. This collaboration not only underscores the value of our product but also reflects our commitment to making a positive impact in the community through our work at Baches.io Inc
Q: You were invited to join as a member and serve as a judge at the Burning Heroes Startup Awards, known for attracting the finest startups and most successful founders, and featuring representatives from esteemed organizations such as Techstars, SOVS, and the Stanford Business Club. Could you share your experience in this role? How did you approach the challenge of evaluating over 100 companies and selecting the winners?
A: Yes, in such a high-profile competition, the challenge was significant. Judging over 100 innovative startups wasn't easy, especially with all of them offering advanced and impressive projects. The participants were top-notch, having years of IT experience, numerous awards, and important scientific contributions. But my role as a judge was more than just choosing winners. It was about fostering an environment for innovation, where diverse minds collaborate to create impactful solutions. My experience was incredibly rewarding. I got to see firsthand how these bright minds work and how their ideas could change the world. I'm confident that our winners will keep pushing boundaries, improving lives, and driving innovation forward.
Q: As a very experienced software engineer who builds complex IT products, what were you looking for in the participants?
A: Clear vision of the product and the right technologies to use, that's for sure. Understanding the needs of end users and the ability to adapt are also important. I pay close attention to the strength of the technology: how the contestant's platforms are built and what resources developers use. But in the end, it's always about the ability of the companies to understand the issues they are addressing with their ideas and the people they're solving them for.
Q: My final question: how do you see the future of technology and Open Source Software (OSS) in it?
A: Since we are expecting significant growth in the role of Open Source Software (OSS), the industry is in need of hard-working and talented innovators and tech pioneers. These people will shape the bright future of IT and bring a lot of awesome solutions not only for companies but also for millions of people worldwide. I would like everyone who has a great idea to share it with the world and contribute to our mutual growth.
