Marshall Burns
Software Engineer | Developer Advocate
Navy veteran and farmer based in Texas with a deep appreciation for simplicity, even when dealing with complex systems. Specializing in systems programming, backend development, as well as writting intuitive technical documentation.
I have worked on teams to provide full-stack solutions for federal clients like USDA & CMS, actively maintain and contribute to open source projects, and create technical content through YouTube videos and conference/meetup talks.
Featured Projects
Yes, I actually finished some of them...
Portfolio
You Are Here
The website you're currently viewing, built to showcase projects and share a bit about who I am.
Built with Astro and TailwindCSS, this portfolio reflects a core philosophy of mine: things should be simple, straightforward, and clear. The black and white design isn't just aesthetic. It represents how I try to view problem solving, programming and most things in my life. Simplicity is key.
Natural Language Database System
A complete ecosystem for natural language database interactions, architected and built from the ground up in Odin.
Features a comprehensive suite of tools including interactive web interface, core database engine, command-line tools, and JavaScript SDK for seamless integration across any development environment. All open source.
Web-based interface available at ostrichdb.com. Provides intuitive database management, query execution, and real-time natural language processing capabilities.
High-performance database engine with built-in natural language processing. Handles complex queries, data relationships, and semantic understanding.
Command-line interface for developers and database administrators. Enables scriptable database operations and system automation.
JavaScript/TypeScript SDK for seamless application integration. Provides developers with type-safe APIs and comprehensive documentation.
Go SDK for interacting with the OstrichDB API. Enables seamless integration for Go applications with full API support.
From-Scratch HTTP Server Implementation
A pure Odin implementation of an HTTP server built from scratch, demonstrating network and systems programming skills.
Extensively commented for educational purposes and inspired by the HTTP server powering OstrichDB.com. Completely open source and modifiable, designed for anyone to use, learn from, or adapt for their own projects.
Key Features
- • Basic API layer with
/api/v1base route - • Support for GET and POST request methods
- • Example endpoints including
/pingand/health - • Runs on port
8080
Local Only Account & Password Manager
A secure account & password manager that is meant to be used entirely offline.
Built this because I wanted to make a full stack application as a proof of concept for my database OstrichDB. Simple SvelteKit frontend with all data stored locally via Ostrich. No cloud sync, no tracking, just passwords on your machine.
Key Features
- • Completely offline operation with zero internet dependency
- • Full account management with create, read, update, and delete operations
- • Simple authentication system for user registration and login
- • Local data persistence powered by OstrichDB
- • Minimal dependencies focused on security and core functionality
Speaking, Presentations & Content
Sharing knowledge and experience with the tech community
Embedded Leadership: A Guide To Leading From Within
Commit Your Code Conference 2025
OstrichDB: Building a Natural Language Database
Alamo Tech Collective Meetup
Technical Speaking
Presented OstrichDB's architecture and natural language processing capabilities to local developers. Covered systems programming in Odin, custom database engine design, and HTTP server implementation.
Spoke about leadership positioning, the behaivors displayed in each position and the results of those behaviors on teams and individuals.
Content Creation
Reflection on delivering my first conference talk about embedded leadership at Commit Your Code 2025. Shares insights on leading from within teams, the preparation process, and lessons learned from presenting at a major tech conference.
Medium Article
Deep dive into the journey of building OstrichDB from initial concept to comprehensive database ecosystem. Covers the technical challenges, architectural decisions, and lessons learned while developing a natural language database system from scratch in Odin.
Medium Article
Comprehensive overview of the complete OstrichDB ecosystem and its integrated components. Explores the web interface, core database engine, CLI tools, and JavaScript SDK as a unified platform for natural language database interactions.
September 2024 Newsletter
Featured interview in the official Odin programming language newsletter discussing OstrichDB development, the journey of discovering Odin, and insights on building large-scale projects in systems programming. Covers challenges in procedural programming at scale and the advantages of Odin over C.
Educational & Development Content
Create programming-related content including livestream coding sessions, project devlogs, and unscripted development videos. Started as learning documentation and evolved into sharing real development processes including bug fixes and feature implementations.
Available Speaking Topics
Experience & Skills
My journey thus far and the technologies I work with
Work Experience
Co-Founder & Lead Developer
Jun 2025 - PresentArchetype Dynamics, Inc
Architected and developed OstrichDB, a natural language database system written in Odin. Built custom HTTP server, authentication systems, and database security including encryption/decryption.
Founder
Sep 2024 - PresentSolitude Software Solutions LLC
Founded Solitude Software Solutions to functional and well-written software. Provides web development services to local community while maintaining my core values of quality software development and customer service.
Tech Architecture Analyst & Software Engineer
Apr 2023 - Mar 2025Accenture Federal Services
Supported Security Operations for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Developed Python automation tooling that reduced certificate renewal processing time. Developed full-stack web applications for USDA using React and Spring Boot. Contributed to Agile development cycles including sprint planning, code reviews, and CI/CD deployment automation.
Administrative Assistant
Jun 2020 - Jun 2021Kros-Wise, Inc. (Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific)
Contractor administrative assistant at NIWC PAC. Processed multiple personnel request forms including promotions, pay increases and recruitments.
NSW RIB Lead Communications/Navigator
Jan 2017 - Sep 2019US Navy - Naval Special Warfare
Naval Special Warfare Rigid Inflatable Boat Communications/Navigation Officer. Primary Insertion/Extraction platform for Force Recon Marines. Worked with Navy SEALs and Coast Guard MSRT.
Supervisor and Maintenance Technician
Sep 2014 - Jan 2017US Navy - Amphibious Construction Battalion One
Supervised workforce management and acquired supervisor-level skills at ACB-1. Gained leadership experience and trained in fuel/water operations including Offshore Petroleum Discharge System and Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System.
Education
2022 - 2023Savvy Coders Bootcamp & Governors State University
Web Development Bootcamp and Computer Science coursework focusing on full-stack development.
Technologies & Tools
I am always eager to learn new technologies and adapt to any project
Programming Languages
Backend & Systems
Frontend & Tools
Operating Systems & Platforms
Collaboration & Project Management
Microsoft Office Suite
Let's Connect
Ready to discuss opportunities or just want to say hello?
Get In Touch
I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, collaborating on interesting projects, or just having a conversation about technology. Feel free to reach out!
GitHub
github.com/SchoolyBLocation
Available for remote workSchedule a Call
cal.com/marshall-bSend a Message
I'll get back to you ASAP