class IlyasBuilds:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Ilyas El-Hallaoui"
self.alias = "ilyasbuilds"
self.role = "Junior DevOps Engineer · IT Consultant · Builder"
self.location = "Rüsselsheim, Germany"
self.stack = ["Linux", "Python", "Docker", "Kubernetes", "Azure"]
self.building = ["K3s Homelab", "CKAD Prep", "Building in Public"]
def philosophy(self):
return "I study the theory. But nothing sticks until I build it."
me = IlyasBuilds()
print(me.philosophy())I'm a 20-year-old DevOps Engineer and Business Informatics student documenting the real version of learning this field.
I read. I take courses. But my main focus is always building, because that's where the actual understanding happens.
I work hands-on at Sky-E Red GmbH on real infrastructure, while studying and building on the side. Everything I learn eventually becomes something I ship.
My self-hosted Kubernetes cluster running on an IONOS VPS and an old laptop, connected via Tailscale.
Currently self-hosting Firefly III for personal finance tracking. Still early. GitOps and full automation come later. Right now I'm focused on getting the fundamentals solid first.
When Claude Code dropped, I wanted to try vibe coding something real. kfix was that experiment, a small CLI tool that takes your broken Kubernetes state and helps you figure out what went wrong. Nothing serious, just a fun build to test what was possible. Shipped it to PyPI.
Not polished projects. Raw learning. Every time I pick up something new, it starts here.
Started as a Docker Compose project (Node.js + MongoDB), meant to be rebuilt with Kubernetes, CI/CD, and IaC. Currently paused while I focus on other things.
I study Business Informatics via distance learning at Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule, funded by my employer while working full-time as a DevOps Engineer.
A lot of people say degrees are dead. I don't fully agree. I think a degree is what you make it, and most people just do the bare minimum and wonder why it didn't open any doors.
My take: if you pair a degree with real projects, real work experience, and a genuine curiosity for the field, it still means something. That's what I'm trying to prove.
On my main channel I document exactly what I'm doing to make my degree worth it, the projects, the mindset, and the stuff universities don't teach you but should.
Follow along on YouTube Check it out at my website
Going deep on Kubernetes, AI, and Azure. That's the intersection I find most interesting and where I want to build real expertise over the next few years. Previously earned AWS CCP in 2024.
I document the process, the wins, the broken configs, the lessons. If you're a student or junior engineer trying to get real experience, this is for you.
ilyaselhallaoui.com: ilyaselhallaoui.com
Main channel: youtube.com/@Ilyashallaoui
X: x.com/ilyas_Hallaoui
LinkedIn: Ilyas El-Hallaoui
My blog: Ilyas El-Hallaoui
"I don't wait until I'm ready. I build until I am." — ilyasbuilds