Python development for automation, data and AI
I write Python for automation, data pipelines, web scraping and AI features. Some clients have no developer of their own. Others have a team and want more experience on it.
I'm all in on AI, so the work goes fast. I stay careful with your data and with what goes live.
I usually reply within one working day.
What I do with Python
Scripts, pipelines and services that save people manual work.
Python automation
Scripts and services that take repetitive work off your team, like moving data between systems, creating reports or processing files.
Data pipelines
Pulling data from APIs, files and databases, cleaning it, and loading it where it is needed. The pipelines run on a schedule and log what they did.
Web scraping
Collecting public data from websites reliably, with retries, rate limits and checks that the data is complete.
AI features
Extraction, summaries, classification and drafts with OpenAI, Anthropic or Google models. The output is checked before anything uses it.
APIs and backend services
Small services with FastAPI or Django, for example an internal API or a worker that a Laravel or Node app calls.
Existing Python code
Scripts that grew over time, break often, or that only one person understands. I clean them up, add tests and document them.
How I work
You don't need to have everything figured out before we talk. An idea, access to the repo, a screen recording or a list of problems is enough. I look at what is there, tell you what I would do and what it costs, and then I build it.
I use Claude Code, Codex and my own agent workflows for reading code, planning changes, writing tests, refactoring and debugging. It is not vibe coding. It is senior engineering with a much faster loop.
AI-first, in Python too
Claude Code, Codex and my own agent workflows write a lot of the code. I decide what gets built, read every change and test it before it runs on your data.
I stay in control
AI writes a lot of my code. I still make every technical decision, read every change before it ships, and test it. Fast, but meticulous: the speed is only worth something if what goes live is right.
The way you want to work
Some clients want to look at every change before it goes live, others want me to deploy. Some want a weekly call, most prefer written updates. I work well asynchronously, and I still ask the important questions when they come up.
I think like an owner
I still run my own online products. So when I build or fix yours, I think about traffic, conversion, revenue and support as much as about the code, and I tell you when something is not worth building.
Ways to work with me
Fixed price, a flat monthly rate, or hourly. It's always me doing the work, not an agency. If you're not sure, describe what you need and I'll suggest one.
Examples of my work
Two of these are my own Python tools. The third is a Laravel project with the same scraping and data work.
Content research pipeline
Collects public signals, stores them in a SQLite idea bank and drafts articles from the strongest ideas.
Data products from APIs
Scripts that pull search and business data through APIs and turn it into downloadable data products.
Scraping and outreach at scale
A platform on more than 30 servers that scrapes websites with headless browsers, finds contact details and sends personalised email campaigns. It runs on its own and handles millions of opportunities a month.
What clients say
"What stood out about working with Vincent was how methodical and efficient he was."
"Vincent is one of those rare developers who can jump into a complex codebase, become useful immediately, and solve real problems without hand-holding."
"Vincent was easy to work with and produced high-quality code. Would recommend."
Questions
Do you only write Python?
No. For web apps I mostly use Laravel and Vue. I use Python for automation, data work and AI, and when your team already works in Python.
Can you work on our existing Python code?
Yes. I read the code first, tell you what I would change, and then fix the most important things.
Django, FastAPI or plain scripts?
Often a script is enough. If it needs to be a service, I use FastAPI or Django.
Where does the code run?
On your servers, in the cloud, or as a scheduled job. I set it up so you can see what ran and what failed.
How do you charge?
Fixed price for a job with a clear outcome, a flat monthly rate for ongoing work, or hourly. Describe what you need and I'll suggest one.
Get a quote
What you want to automate or build, and what data is involved. A few sentences are enough. I'll reply with what I would do and what it would cost.
If you would rather talk first, book a 30-minute call or email contact@vincentschmalbach.com.