Hi, I'm Wouter Vernaillen
Enterprise Full-Stack Java Developer
Spring Boot, Vue/Nuxt & Angular, DevOps, Secure delivery, AI-enabled development.
Toolbox
The technologies I reach for, grouped by layer. Depth varies; breadth is the point.
About Me
I build robust web solutions from backend to frontend — bridging enterprise Java with modern JavaScript, and now embracing agentic workflows.
Loving every bit of it!
As a full stack developer with 25+ years of experience, I've gone from the first static HTML sites to cutting-edge web portals with seamless backend integrations.
I combine deep Java/Spring expertise with a passion for modern frontend development using Nuxt and Vue. Creator of WPNuxt, an open source module for headless WordPress with Nuxt.
I'm also a sound healing practitioner, an ecstatic dance DJ, and a trance dance facilitator. I run Harmonics.be — organizing events around sound, music, and movement.
I'm based in Belgium (Europe/Brussels timezone) and work primarily remotely, for Belgian and international clients alike.
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Creator & Maintainer of WPNuxt2019 - Present
Full Stack Developer at Opgroeien / Kind & Gezin2018 - 2019
Full Stack Developer at IDEWE2014 - 2017
Full Stack Developer at Kind & Gezin2013 - 2014
Lead Developer at Colruyt2010 - 2013
Portal Architect at Van Marcke2006 - 2010
WebSphere Portal Consultant at IBM2003 - 2006
Java Software Engineer at UPM-Kymmene2000 - 2003
Lotus Notes Developer at Atos Origin1999 - 2000
Lotus Notes Developer at Alcatel e-ComLatest Articles
Thoughts on development, open source, and the tools I use
Testimonials
Wouter's expertise in IBM Websphere portal helped us in reaching key projects. His ability to think user-led allows to work rapidly and meet expectations.
Björn Minne
Online Sales & Marketing Manager B2B at Van Marcke
Extremely skilled developer that delivers high output and excellent quality.
Davy Vanherbergen
IT Team Lead at UPM-Kymmene
Wouter is a dedicated professional with who I had the pleasure to work with on two strategic projects at Van Marcke. He was the go to IT professional and project leader. I would recommend him without hesitation.
Philip Borremans
Chief Social Media Officer & CSR Coordinator
Wouter's passion for technology and dedication to success have made and continue to make it a pleasure to work with him. The combination of a broad interest with deep knowledge & experience make for a great developer cocktail.
Jonathan Bosmans
Senior Consultant at IBM
I had the pleasure of working with Wouter on the IDEWE customer portal project. His calm, pleasant way of consulting is a real asset amid the rush of deadlines and unexpected issues. He has a sharp analytical mind and explains problems and solutions in plain language to the whole team, including the non-software people. He delivers exactly what is asked and thinks independently about alternatives to earlier decisions. I'm already looking forward to our next collaboration.
Kurt Eeckhout
Key Account Manager at Group Idewe
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about working with me.
// Services & Expertise
What services do you offer?
I specialize in full stack web development with Java/Spring backends and Nuxt/Vue frontends. This includes API development & integration, building modern web portals, setting up CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps with Docker and Kubernetes. I also build headless WordPress solutions using my open source WPNuxt module.
What is your tech stack?
My primary stack is Java and Spring Boot on the backend, with Nuxt and Vue.js on the frontend. For DevOps I work with Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins and GitHub Actions, and I self-host my own projects on Coolify. I have extensive previous experience with Liferay & WebSphere portal platforms. AI tooling like Claude Code and MCP servers is part of my daily workflow, with tests and CI keeping the output honest.
Do you work with startups or only enterprises?
Both! While much of my career has been in enterprise environments (government, large corporations), I also enjoy working with smaller teams and startups. My open source work on WPNuxt is a good example of building developer tools from the ground up.
// Working Together
Are you available for freelance work?
Yes, I've been freelancing since 2013. I'm available for both long-term engagements and shorter project-based work. Feel free to schedule a call via Calendly to discuss your project.
Where are you based?
I'm based in Belgium (Europe/Brussels timezone). I work primarily remotely, for Belgian and international clients alike — for clients in Belgium I'm available on-site up to one day a week.
// About Me
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love bridging the gap between robust backend systems and beautiful, fast frontends. There's something satisfying about making a complex enterprise system feel effortless to use. Building open source tools like WPNuxt and seeing others use them is also incredibly rewarding.
What are your interests outside of coding?
Sound, music and dance are a big part of my life. I'm a sound healing practitioner, ecstatic dance DJ, and trance dance facilitator — you can find more about that on Harmonics.be. I'm also an avid traveler, always curious about other cultures.