In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, open source stands out as a powerful force driving innovation and collaboration. Today, we're diving into the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) journey of Shashank Kirtania, an open-source enthusiast who contributed to PyMC in 2022.
Shashank, a Python developer with a knack for machine learning, saw GSoC as his launchpad into the world of open source. His story goes beyond coding; it's about community, mentorship, and the transformative power of collaboration.
Let's Dive into Shashank’s GSoC Story
The Spark of Curiosity: Shashank first learned about GSoC during his first year of university, though he didn’t initially understand what open source was. Crazy, right?! His understanding of open source and the program increased gradually over time, showing that even the most experienced start somewhere.
Information Maze: Initially, YouTube (The Messiah for Indian Students) was his go-to for information on open-source projects. However, he soon realised that direct connections with past GSoC participants were much more valuable, especially a mentor who’d navigated the program the previous year. He also cautioned against some of the "clickbaity" content out there, highlighting the need to seek out genuine, reliable sources. He mentioned that some of the articles on Medium are really helpful. He took help from his senior who participated in GSoC.
Organisation & Project Selection: Shashank described the process of shortlisting organisations as the most challenging part of the GSoC application process. He reviewed the previous projects of around 200 organisations, finally narrowing his list down to 15-20 based on the languages used, project types, and personal interest.
Mentorship and Community: One of the biggest takeaways for Shashank was the invaluable opportunity to work with a mentor, drawing parallels with the guidance he received during a previous internship. He stressed how working with a mentor helps to accelerate the learning process. The supportive community was another huge plus, allowing him to connect with a diverse group of contributors, many of whom were pursuing their PhDs or post-doctoral research.He insisted that this community is a perfect place to learn and grow, as people are really talented and have in-depth knowledge.
His Project at PyMC: Bridging the Gap for New Users: His work at PyMC was focused on streamlining the model-building process for new users. His aim was to simplify the use of this Python package for probabilistic machine learning models by developing a "model builder class and direct API calls.” He noticed that deploying models was very complex for new users because of the level of coding expertise needed.
Importance of Prior Experience in GSoc
Shashank was clear that any prior experience in open-source development is invaluable for completing projects within the tight 12-week GSoC timeline (or 22 weeks with a possible extension). He pointed out that mentors will feel more comfortable backing you if you have some prior experience. He also highlighted the high standards of coding practices and the high quality of work expected by the organisations, so make sure your skills are up to scratch.
GSoC Process
The GSoC timeline kicks off with the release of the list of participating organisations, followed by the unveiling of specific project ideas.
Applicants then get a window to connect with potential mentors and really get to know about the projects, before submitting their proposals.
There's also a community bonding period after selection, which is a great time for participants to connect and learn some basic skills.
Want to know more ? Visit the Official GSoC Page.
How to craft a Proposal that gets noticed ?
Shashank shared his key tips for creating a proposal that stands out:
Dive Deep into the Project: A thorough understanding of the project is absolutely crucial.
Set Achievable Deliverables: Your proposal should clearly outline specific, achievable goals that you can realistically deliver within the given timeframe.
Map Out a Detailed Timeline: Provide a realistic, week-by-week timeline that shows your plan of action.
Connect and Research: Communication with mentors and thorough research into the project are absolutely key. He mentioned that the more detail you can provide in your proposal, the more confidence your mentors will have in your ability to deliver.
Future Plans and a Q&A for Aspiring GSoC'ers
Shashank plans to apply as a mentee once again (as he thinks he is not ready to teach and mentor stuff as he is himself learning new, Modesty !! ), eager to explore new horizons. He’s got his eye on working with graphs and DBpedia on Knowledge Graphs.
Q&A for Future GSoC'ers:
Question: What should be my main focus when applying to GSoC?
Answer: Make sure you do extensive research on the organisations and projects, connect with potential mentors, and ensure you've got some open-source experience under your belt.
Question: How do I create a proposal that actually stands out?
Answer: Focus on clear deliverables and a detailed timeline. Engage with the community, and really do your research.
Question: Is it okay to extend the project timeline?
Answer: It’s generally best to try and complete the project within the standard 12-week timeframe, unless absolutely necessary. If you do need an extension, have a chat with your mentor first to make sure it works for them.
Shashank's journey really underscores the value of genuine interest and in-depth planning for GSoC. His advice is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to jump into the wonderful world of open source.
Want to learn more? Check out the full video on TechKareer’s YouTube channel.