CST 462s Final Thoughts

 Service: Break Builds, Build Skills

Now that I have completed my Service Learning with LibreOffice, I want to reflect on the journey, what I learned, and the challenges I encountered along the way.

What Went Well

Working with a massive codebase was initially daunting but ultimately an enriching experience. I quickly adapted to professional workflow practices and communication standards. The codebase was primarily in C++, but success required understanding supporting systems like Linux, Git, Gerrit, and Grok. Seeing my contributions go toward a widely used project like LibreOffice made the effort incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my work had an impact beyond earning a grade gave me a real sense of achievement.

What I Would Improve

One significant bottleneck was checking builds for bugs after making modifications. Even minor code changes that took minutes to implement could take an hour to build locally, even on powerful hardware. In a later meeting, I raised this concern and suggested running builds only on the modified portions of the codebase, but the existing wiki walkthroughs did not provide guidance on this. A more streamlined build-checking process, leveraging server infrastructure, could make the workflow smoother and more efficient.

Most Impactful Part

The most impactful part of this experience was contributing to software that is used by millions. Seeing my work integrated into LibreOffice gave me a tangible sense of purpose. This was not just a class assignment; it was real-world work that made a difference. Additionally, the experience of working with a large production codebase and professional workflows was invaluable and prepared me for future career opportunities.

Challenges Faced

Navigating a complex, large-scale codebase and understanding the associated systems were challenging at first. It took time to become familiar with the professional tools and processes. The slow build-checking process was another hurdle, as it sometimes hindered productivity. However, these challenges taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of asking questions and seeking solutions.

Advice For Future Students

Do not be afraid of breaking things. Dive in and start exploring! Most of the learning happens by doing. Engage with the large codebase, follow walkthroughs, and learn the professional workflows. It might seem overwhelming at first, but hands-on experience will help you build confidence. Remember, your contributions matter, and even small changes can have a significant impact. Embrace the challenge, and you will come away with valuable skills and experience.

Overall, this Service Learning experience was transformative, and I highly recommend it to others. If you put in the effort, you will gain far more than just technical skills. You will also gain confidence, real-world impact, and a deeper understanding of professional development practices.