The person behind Catch Ignore
I build software.
And share what I learn.
I'm Coen van Kampen, a software engineer and consultant based in the Netherlands. I specialise in backend development with .NET, with a strong interest in distributed systems, software architecture, and cloud infrastructure. Over the years, I've worked on API integrations, modernising legacy applications, and building cloud-native systems. What interests me most is not just making software work, but understanding how to make it maintainable, scalable, and reliable.
The Netherlands Software engineer & consultant
What keeps me curious
I enjoy working at the intersection of backend engineering, software architecture, and cloud infrastructure. From designing application boundaries to deploying systems on Kubernetes, I like understanding how the different parts of a system work together.
Designing maintainable backend systems with clear responsibilities and well-defined boundaries. I work with event-driven architectures, event sourcing, and distributed systems, while considering the trade-offs between complexity, scalability, and maintainability.
Building and improving the infrastructure that applications depend on. I work with Azure, Kubernetes, Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD, and observability to make applications easier to deploy, operate, and maintain.
I like exploring technologies and architectural patterns through personal projects. Building something myself helps me understand not only how it works, but also when it makes sense to use it. I share those experiences through technical articles and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Where I work
Through consultancy and software development roles, I've worked on applications across different industries. My experience ranges from building backend integrations to modernising existing systems and improving cloud infrastructure and software architecture.
OVSoftware
As a software consultant, I work with different teams and organisations to develop and improve software systems. My work includes backend development, system integration, cloud infrastructure, and architectural improvements.
Nedap Livestock Management
Currently working on an event-driven .NET platform using Marten and Wolverine. Besides application development, I contribute to cloud infrastructure and architectural improvements, including Kubernetes deployments on Azure, Infrastructure as Code with Bicep, observability with Grafana, and relationship-based access control using SpiceDB.
Nedcon
At Nedcon, I worked on Racking Design Software (RDS), an application used to design and configure industrial storage systems and perform structural analyses. The application integrates with RFEM, third-party structural analysis software. Our project focused on updating this integration from RFEM 5 to RFEM 6, which required adapting the existing application to work with the newer version.
Cursad
Worked on modernising an existing on-premises application into a web-based solution. My contributions included database migration, CI/CD automation, and designing infrastructure for a transition to Azure.
Zorgweb
Developed a .NET service for generating complex Excel reports from JSON data, integrated into an existing Java application. The implementation focused on handling large datasets efficiently while supporting customised report formatting.
TUI
Developed .NET integrations with external travel providers. I independently implemented two integrations and took the technical lead on a third. I also contributed to operational monitoring, deployments, and improving the reliability of existing integrations.
Owlfy
Worked on a cloud-native HR platform built with .NET and Azure. The system used microservices running on Kubernetes, with event-driven communication and integrations with external services.
SST Software
Developed a web application for managing sales campaigns for sports associations, working on both backend functionality and the user interface.
B-ware Business Software
Worked on maintaining and improving a modular document generation system. Besides bug fixes and maintenance, I implemented a tree-based caching mechanism to improve data retrieval.
The foundation
University of Twente
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
University of Twente
Twickel College Hengelo
Research & writing
Research connected to my studies and the work I share.
Coen van Kampen · University of Twente · Master's thesis
For my master's thesis, conducted in collaboration with ING, I researched how database schemas can be migrated without interrupting highly available applications. I implemented the expand-contract pattern for PostgreSQL through a custom Liquibase plugin, allowing different application versions to operate against a compatible database schema during deployment. The approach was evaluated in a replicated PostgreSQL environment running on Kubernetes, using benchmarks to measure latency and throughput during migrations.
Coen van Kampen · University of Twente · Academic research
Investigated the correctness of a concurrent work-stealing deque by applying formal verification techniques using VerCors.
Coen van Kampen · University of Twente · Academic research
Explored probabilistic approaches to missing data imputation, with a focus on reducing bias introduced by conventional imputation techniques.
Beyond the day job
A selection of personal projects and technical experiments. I use these projects to explore new technologies, validate architectural ideas, and better understand the trade-offs involved in building software.
My path into software started in 2016. This blog is where I unpack what I learn along the way. I like practical examples, clear explanations, and understanding why a solution works as much as how to implement it.
Away from the keyboard? In my free time, I play guitar and badminton, go running, and write blog posts. I also tinker with my smart home and homelab, and take photos with my Canon camera. See my photos in the gallery
Let's connect
A question about an article, a different perspective, or an interesting software problem—I'd love to hear it.
