At a Glance:
- Involved in open source since: 2014
- Works for: Contrast Security
- Eclipse Foundation contributor since: 2022
- Involved in: Eclipse Starter for Jakarta EE
- Committer to: Eclipse Starter for Jakarta EE
- Eclipse Foundation committer since: 2022
- Fun fact: While I used to be an avid reader, I haven’t had much time for it lately, especially since becoming a parent. Spending time with my new baby daughter has become my top priority, and I’m happy to say that she's been keeping me very busy.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I currently work for Contrast Security as a senior software engineer. I have been a developer for over a decade. Most of my work is in Java and Java-related technologies, though I’ve worked for several companies.
What first attracted you to the idea of working in open source?
Joining an open source project has always been a career milestone for me. The software industry owes a debt of gratitude to the open source contributions of many developers. And participating in an open source project provides valuable opportunities for learning and engaging with a community of contributors.
I eventually took the plunge and started with the Eclipse Starter for Jakarta EE. I am grateful to Reza Rahman for his guidance and support throughout my participation.
Why did you want to become more involved with the Eclipse Foundation?
My primary motivation is to learn more about the Jakarta EE ecosystem and contribute my skills to this open source community. Being able to make a meaningful contribution and seeing that my efforts can potentially impact thousands of users is a tremendous source of accomplishment. Ultimately, I believe that becoming more involved with the Eclipse Foundation will help me grow as a developer, improve my knowledge of the software industry, and allow me to give back to the open source community that has helped me in countless ways.
How did that lead to you becoming a committer?
When I started contributing to the Eclipse Starter for Jakarta EE project, I rapidly became immersed in the community and liked working with other developers. As I continued contributing, I better understood the project’s aims and how my work could help it succeed. When a committer election was held, I was overjoyed that my contributions had been acknowledged and that the community had elected me. Becoming an Eclipse Foundation committer was a significant milestone for me, and I look forward to continuing to contribute and grow with the Eclipse community.
What has your experience as a committer been like?
I have had both fulfilling and challenging experiences. The best thing about being a committer is the opportunity to collaborate with other talented developers and to have a meaningful impact on a project that is potentially being used by thousands of users. When you help with a project that has such a big impact, you feel like you’ve done something worthwhile.
On the other hand, as a committer, you are responsible for making critical decisions that can affect the project’s direction, and you must balance the community's needs with the project’s goals. Conflict management can be particularly challenging.
What would you say to developers who are considering getting more involved in open source software projects?
Getting involved in open source software projects is an excellent opportunity for developers to enhance their skills and give back to the community. By contributing to open source projects, developers can collaborate with other professionals, learn from their peers, and build something meaningful. It’s a chance to work on real-world problems and projects, which can help developers gain experience and build their portfolios.
I would encourage developers to explore the vast range of open source projects available and to find something that resonates with their interests and skill set.