Active
Hostral
A game server hosting platform I co-founded. We built it with Node.js, TypeScript, Docker, and MongoDB.
01 / ABOUT
Matthew Alton Rachwal
Engineer. Builder. Creator.
I like building things and figuring stuff out. Most of my work is with Node.js, TypeScript, React, Docker, and Debian. I’m also a co-founder of Hostral, a game server hosting platform. I like keeping things simple and making useful tools.
I’m curious about God’s creation and how things work. A lot of what I know came from trying things and getting them wrong. I keep at it until I figure it out, and I’m grateful for what I’ve learned along the way.
I make videos about the things I’m working on, including what worked and what didn’t. You can find those on TechPlant, Matthew Alton, and Everyday Korean.
- Location: Wisconsin, USA
- Focus Areas: Node.js, TypeScript, React, Docker, Linux, AWS, CICD
- Interests: Programming, Exotic Plants, Tissue Culture, Homelab Infrastructure, Security Hardening, Korean language
- Languages: English (native), Korean (learning)
- Current Study: Cybersecurity, Programming, Tissue Culture, Electronic Engineering
02 / EXPERIENCE
Experience & background.
Experience
Software Engineer
- Built and maintained REST APIs using DynamoDB, MySQL, and RDS
- Built backend tools to transform data for other services as requirements changed
- Automated release playbooks with GitLab and Confluence. Other teams adopted the tools
- Built tools for migrating DynamoDB data when schemas changed
Co-Founder
- Led the development of a game server rental platform
- Kept costs down and limited dependencies on third-party tools
Technical Skills
Languages & Frameworks
Node.js, TypeScript, React, Express
Infrastructure
Docker, Debian 12–13, pfSense, WireGuard, GitHub Actions, GitLab Runners, DinD testing
Data & Security
MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Suricata, Fail2Ban, VLAN segmentation
Education & Certifications
AWS Certified Developer - Associate
Associate of Applied Science, IT Cybersecurity Specialist
Associate of Applied Science, Web Page & Digital Multimedia Design
03 / PROJECTS
Things I build.
Active
Everyday Korean
A Korean learning app with Hangul lessons, sentence practice, vocabulary review, and TOPIK listening and reading exercises.
Active
SundaySchoolPrep
A tool for making and printing Sunday school worksheets and handouts.
04 / VIDEOS
Things I share.
A few videos from my channels. Plants, homelabs, and learning Korean.
Matthew Alton
I Built A Mini PC Server Rack
Matthew Alton
How To Install Debian 13 On A Server
Everyday Korean
25 Must-Know Beginner Korean Phrases
Everyday Korean