About Me

Shaaf is a Sr. Principal Developer Advocate at Red Hat and a seasoned architect with over 25 years of experience in open source. Shaaf specializes in the intersection of Java, Quarkus, and Kubernetes, with a current focus on Application Modernization through Generative AI. As a contributor to Konveyor.io and the “Kai” project, he is at the forefront of using Large Language Models to automate complex legacy migrations and integrate the Model Context Protocol (MCP) into enterprise workflows. Beyond his engineering work, Shaaf is a dedicated community catalyst. He has been the lead organizer for Copenhagen Tech Talks since 2013 and serves as a Technical Editor for InfoQ, where he curates cutting-edge content on Java and AI/ML. A frequent speaker at international summits, Shaaf is passionate about making advanced technologies like AI/ML accessible to the Java community, frequently sharing his findings on his blog at shaaf.dev. When he isn’t hacking on open-source middleware like Keycloak or Infinispan, he can be found on the cricket pitch coaching the next generation of athletes in Denmark.

• 🔭 I’m currently working @Red Hat

• ☕️ I am a Technical Editor @InfoQ

• 🌱 Always available for volunteer work

• 🤝 I’m a cricket coach @ Glostrup Cricket

• 📝 I regularly write articles on https://shaaf.dev

• 💬 Ask me about Java, backends and architecture

Workshops & Hands-on Training

Shaaf delivers high-impact workshops designed for senior developers and architects navigating the shift toward AI-native environments. His sessions on Application Modernization leverage Konveyor AI to demonstrate how legacy Java EE monoliths can be transformed into modern Quarkus services with LLM assistance. He also leads deep-dives into Agentic AI and the Model Context Protocol (MCP), showing Java developers how to build autonomous agents that interact securely with enterprise data. Additionally, his Keycloak workshops provide a definitive guide to securing digital frontiers, covering everything from FIPS compliance to advanced identity management in multi-cloud architectures.

Open Source Contributions & Technical Focus

Shaaf’s GitHub profile (sshaaf) is centered on bridging enterprise Java stability with the cutting-edge capabilities of Generative AI.

• keycloak-mcp-server: A significant project creating an MCP server for Keycloak. It enables LLMs to perform user management, realm configuration, and authentication flows via standardized tool-calling.
• llm-jakarta: A project bridging Jakarta EE with LLM capabilities, providing a blueprint for enterprise Java developers to build robust, AI-powered applications.
• scribe-mcp-server: A specialized MCP server that generates static code analysis rules in yaml for the konveyor.io project.
• jgraphlet: A zero-dependency Java task pipeline library. It is built for orchestrating microservice calls and asynchronous tasks with a clean, “elegant” API.
• waver: A specialized tool developed to automate the generation of code tutorials. similar to Pocketflow but entirely written in Java
• keycloak-tutorial: A JavaScript-based, hands-on guide for implementing modern identity management.
• neovim: A custom, Lua-based configuration specifically tuned for professional Java development in NeoVim, featuring advanced LSP integration and streamlined build workflows.

Resources

To see some of Shaaf’s work in action or prepare for an upcoming workshop, explore these resources:

• Article: Adoption of the Model Context Protocol within the Java Ecosystem – A deep dive into integrating LLM tools with Java via InfoQ.
• Technical Session: Securing Digital Frontiers with Keycloak – A comprehensive guide to application security and identity management.
• Video Reference: Java + LLMs Workshop - Live Session – A recorded session of Shaaf delivering a hands-on workshop on integrating Large Language Models into the Java ecosystem.