[RFC]: Developer dashboard for tracking ecosystem build failures

[jalajk3004]

Full name

Jalaj Kumar

University status

Yes

University name

University of Delhi

University program

B.sc (Hons) Computer Science

Expected graduation

2027

Short biography

About Me

I am currently pursuing a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Computer Science from the University of Delhi. From an early age, I have been passionate about technology and gadgets. With a strong foundation in mathematics and science, I naturally gravitated toward programming.

I started my coding journey with Python and later transitioned into web development, learning JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, HTML, and CSS. Along the way, I explored different operating systems, including Linux, and gained foundational knowledge in DevOps tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and Git.

My primary interests lie in full-stack development and open-source contributions, and I am continually expanding my skill set to build efficient and scalable applications.

Timezone

UTC +5:30 India Standard Time

Contact details

[email protected], https://github.com/jalajk3004, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalaj-kumar-2110b428b/

Platform

Windows

Editor

I prefer working on VS Code because it is a powerful yet lightweight editor. It provides numerous shortcuts, a great navigation system, and seamless Git and DevOps integration. The extensive extension support further enhances productivity, making it an excellent choice for both frontend and backend development.

Programming experience

I started my programming journey with Python in 2021, but as I explored more, I realized I needed to improve my development skills. In early 2024, I began learning everything about web development, starting with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

In March 2024, I became familiar with Git and started creating projects like an Amazon frontend clone and a frontend E-commerce site. As I got deeper into JavaScript and TypeScript, I built a Text Manipulator web app that allows users to Convert text to uppercase/lowercase, Enable dark mode, Count words & estimate reading time

Backend & Full-Stack Development

To expand my skills, I learned MongoDB and PostgreSQL for databases and picked up Node.js and Express for backend development. By becoming a MERN stack developer, I built a To-Do App featuring JWT authentication and history tracking.

Later, I developed Reel-Chat, a social media platform where users can post pictures and chat in real-time.

DevOps

I also developed an interest in Docker and Kubernetes and started exploring DevOps at a deeper level. I am learning how to automate deployments, manage containers, and optimize system performance for scalability and efficiency.

Exploring Blockchain & Web3

With growing confidence, I explored blockchain technology and Web3, leading me to create a small gambling site similar to Stake.com.

Core member of Computer science Society

In 2023, My society and I developed a website for the Computer Science Departmental Fest. Additionally, I am happy to share that the website has already gained over 200 users

Latest Project: Real-Time Whiteboard Collaboration

I recently built a real-time collaborative whiteboard where users can:
Create rooms
Join sessions
Draw together in real-time

Live Demo: Whiteboard Collaboration

Portfolio: https://jayykay.vercel.app/
I am constantly learning and working on new ideas, always looking for exciting challenges in full-stack development, real-time applications, and blockchain technology. Also trying to explore more Devops at a deeper level

JavaScript experience

I have extensive experience with JavaScript, starting from basic frontend development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to advanced full-stack development using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. Over time, I deepened my knowledge of TypeScript, which improved my coding efficiency and maintainability.

JavaScript-Based Projects:

• Amazon frontend clone
• frontend E-commerce site
• Text Manipulator web app
• To-Do App
• Reel-Chat
• Whiteboard Collaboration

Favorite JavaScript Feature

I love JavaScript's asynchronous nature and how it handles non-blocking operations using Promises and async/await. This makes it highly efficient for handling APIs, real-time applications, and backend processes without blocking the execution of other tasks.

Least Favorite Aspect

One drawback of JavaScript is its lack of strict typing. To address this, I prefer using TypeScript, which provides better type safety and maintainability.

Node.js experience

My Node.js Journey

I have built a strong foundation in Node.js and continue to make steady progress toward mastering it. My experience spans backend-heavy projects, where I have worked extensively with APIs, databases, authentication, and real-time communication.

I started by learning the basics—building simple APIs, setting up database connections, and implementing authentication mechanisms. As I gained experience, I explored JWT authentication, experimented with securely storing private keys, and built applications that required real-time data synchronization using WebSockets and Redis.

One of the most exciting challenges was creating a real-time collaborative whiteboard, which required seamless WebSocket communication and efficient state management. Beyond just writing code, I focus on scalability, optimization, and security best practices to ensure my applications are robust and efficient.

Currently, I am diving deeper into deployment strategies, performance optimization, and DevOps integration. Exploring Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines has given me insights into managing scalable and reliable applications. I believe mastering Node.js is not just about backend development but also about understanding architecture, security, and system design.

I am excited to keep learning, refining my skills, and taking on new challenges in the world of backend development and DevOps.

C/Fortran experience

I have no experience in Fortran, while my primary expertise lies in JavaScript, Node.js, and full-stack development, I am currently learning C in my university as a part of my academic.

Interest in stdlib

Interest in stdlib

I am passionate about advanced mathematics, and stdlib provides high-performance mathematical functions for scientific computing. This project allows me to explore numerical methods, statistical models, and optimizations, helping me deepen my understanding of applied math in software. Since stdlib is heavily focused on JavaScript and Node.js, it aligns perfectly with my backend development expertise. The project involves querying a PostgreSQL database and visualizing results, reinforcing my skills in data processing, analytics, and backend performance optimization.

By contributing to stdlib, I aim to combine my passion for mathematics with software development, ultimately improving developer tools and computation-heavy applications.

Version control

Yes

Contributions to stdlib

I have actively contributed to stdlib by addressing various issues, submitting pull requests, and improving the project. Below is a structured overview of my contributions

Merged Pull Requests

These pull requests have been successfully merged into stdlib

issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5502 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5515
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5709 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5725
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5711 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5728
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5713 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5731
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5747 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5757
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5717 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5758
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5771 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5775

Open Pull Requests

These pull requests are still open and awaiting review or further discussion

issue stdlib-js/stdlib#3887 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#4154
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#3885 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#4734
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5453 PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5516
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5679 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5779
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5620 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5635
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5679 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5779
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5594 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5849
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5861 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5879
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5860 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5881
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5898 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5943
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5555 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5949
Issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5550 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5989
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5619 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#6026
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5578 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#6149
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5607 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#6197
issue stdlib-js/stdlib#5898 - PR stdlib-js/stdlib#5943

stdlib showcase

Since I haven't directly created any repositories, demos, or tutorials using stdlib, I don't have a personal showcase at the moment. However, I am actively contributing to the stdlib project and continuously exploring its functionality in depth. My focus is on understanding its core modules, improving documentation, and contributing code enhancements where possible. As I dive deeper into stdlib, I aim to create meaningful contributions and, in the future, develop comprehensive demos and guides to help others utilize it effectively.

Goals

I aim to develop a Developer Dashboard for Tracking Ecosystem Build Failures for stdlib. This project will provide a centralized, real-time visualization tool that helps developers track, analyze, and diagnose build failures efficiently. The solution I’m proposing involves building a Node.js backend that will fetch build results from a PostgreSQL database, paired with a responsive frontend dashboard to display and interact with the data. The goal is to make it easier for developers to track, analyze, and resolve build failures in real-time.

Objectives

1. Initialize environment setup and database connections.
2. Develop backend APIs to query build results.
3. Design the frontend layout and user interface.
4. Implement filtering features and repository navigation.
5. Add historical overviews and supplementary metrics for deeper analysis.

Features

• Real-Time Build Failure Tracking – Uses WebSockets for instant updates, eliminating manual refreshes or we can use github actions to update the data.
• Interactive Data Visualization – Uses Apache ECharts to display build failure trends with bar, line, and pie charts.
• Advanced Data Table – Implements @tanstack/react-table for sortable and filterable with detailed failure insights.
• Fast and Optimized Backend – Built with Fastify for high performance and low latency, with PostgreSQL as the database.
• Dynamic Routing for Module Insights – Uses React Router DOM for module-specific navigation (e.g., /modules/:module-name).
• Customizable Filtering & Sorting – Allows filtering failures by date, severity, module, or error type with dynamic search functionality.
• Caching & Performance Enhancements – Uses Redis caching and Fastify-caching plugin to optimize responses and reduce database load.
• Fully Responsive UI – Built with Tailwind CSS and shadcn UI, ensuring a modern, seamless experience across desktop and mobile.

Technology Stack

Category	Technology	Reason
Frontend	Apache ECharts	Supports real-time data, large datasets, and smooth animations.
	@tanstack/react-table	Helps build complex, feature-rich data tables in React.
	Tailwind CSS & shadcn UI	UI framework used in stdlib, ensuring familiarity with maintainers.
	React + Vite (JavaScript)	Fast, efficient build process and high performance.
	React Router DOM	Enables dynamic routing (e.g., /modules/:module-name), already used in stdlib.
Backend	Fastify	Lightweight, high-performance Node.js framework used by stdlib.
	pg (PostgreSQL Client)	Lightweight PostgreSQL client with active maintenance and community support.
	WebSockets/Github actions	Provides real-time build failure updates, enhancing user experience.
Database	PostgreSQL	Stores build results and failure for structured querying and historical analysis.
	Redis	In-memory cache used to speed up frequent queries and reduce database load.
Testing	Tape	JavaScript testing framework for Node.js and React, with a built-in test runner for parallel execution.

Implementation

Note: The design prototypes shared here are not final. Elements will be added, and design changes will be made based on the requirements of mentors and the stdlib community.

Establishing Database Connections

To connect to PostgreSQL, we use the native PostgreSQL driver for Node.js:

• Install the pg package, which provides a simple interface for interacting with PostgreSQL:

  npm install pg
  

Manually create database connection pools and manage connections within your Node.js application.

Creating Backend APIs to Facilitate Build Result Queries

This project includes a set of RESTful APIs designed to track, analyze, and visualize build failures efficiently.

Features:

• Designing RESTful APIs for Build Results
• Database Schema Visualizer

API Endpoints

Repository Management (/repositories)

• GET /repositories → Fetch all tracked repositories.
• GET /repositories/:id → Retrieve details of a specific repository.

Commit History (/commits)

• GET /repositories/:id/commits → Retrieve commit history for a repository.
• GET /commits/:id → Get details of a specific commit.

Workflow Runs (/workflow-runs)

• GET /repositories/:id/workflow-runs → Fetch all workflow runs for a repository.
• GET /workflow-runs/:id → Retrieve details of a specific workflow run.

Workflow Jobs (/workflow-jobs)

• GET /repositories/:id/workflow-jobs → Retrieve all jobs for a repository.
• GET /workflow-jobs/:id → Get details of a specific workflow job.

Code Coverage Reports (/coverage)

• GET /repositories/:id/coverage → Fetch the latest code coverage report.
• GET /coverage/:id → Get details of a specific coverage report.

These APIs serve as a preliminary demonstration of how data can be represented on the frontend. As discussions progress, There will be more APIs for searching and filtering Algorithms. These APIs may be modified based on feedback from mentors and the stdlib community to better align with project requirements and expectations.

Adding Infinite scroll tables for Large Data Sets

Using react-virtualized for infinite scroll tables is very efficient rendering of large datasets—especially when there are thousands of rows.

Why react-virtualized?

It only renders the visible rows in the viewport instead of the entire dataset—super fast and memory-efficient.

npm install react-virtualized

Search Engine & Filtering Functionality

Dynamic Search Engine

The search engine dynamically fetches and displays results as the user types. Users can also use the / (forward slash) operator to refine searches and locate specific files within a repository.

FUNCTION handleSearchInput(query):
    IF query is empty:
        Clear search results
        RETURN
    
    WAIT for 300 milliseconds (debounce)

    CALL fetchSearchResults(query)

FUNCTION fetchSearchResults(query):
    SEND API request to backend: GET /api/search?q=query
    RECEIVE response containing search results
    UPDATE UI with new results

ON user typing in search input:
    CALL handleSearchInput(userQuery)

Filtering System

The sidebar will include an intuitive filtering system with:

• Checkboxes – Select multiple statuses (e.g., "Failed", "Successful", "In Progress").
• Dropdowns – Filter by categories like issue type, assignee, or repository.
• Multi-Selection – Apply multiple filters at once for flexibility (e.g., selecting specific tags).

NOTE: These filtering options may change based on mentor feedback and project requirements. The goal is to make the dashboard user-friendly, efficient, and adaptable for future improvements.

Designing the frontend layout and initial interface

Landing Page

This would be the front page that is seen by the users while launching the domain (for eg. stdlib.io/dashboard) which would overall build graph of whole organization, and pie graphs shows metric data

NOTE : statistic shown in the graphs can be changes after the discussion with the mentors

Repositories Page

This page displays all repositories with key details like status, PRs, issues, and unlabelled entries.
Features:

• Search Engine: Quickly find repositories or use / to locate specific files.
• Filtering: Sidebar filters include activity status, build time, and repository type.

Specific Repo page

This page provides a comprehensive view of a particular repository’s statistical data, issues, and recent build logs, along with key metrics for tracking performance and stability.
Features:
Statistical Data: Overview of repository activity.
** Build Logs**: Displays recent issues and build statuses.
Metrics: Helps in analyzing repository health.

Builds & issue Page

Similarly, we have the page for issues and recent logs

This dashboard is designed to provide clear insights into repositories and builds, helping developers efficiently track and resolve issues.
If selected, I will explore creative ways to enhance the dashboard, making it even more intuitive and productive for developers.

For now, here is the Figma UI link

Why this project?

I’m really excited about this project because it solves a real problem in the stdlib ecosystem—quickly identifying and fixing build failures. As a developer, I know how frustrating it can be to deal with broken builds, so having a real-time dashboard to track and troubleshoot them is a game-changer.

Why is this Project Needed?

Build failures slow down development, but developers often struggle with scattered logs and lack of clear insights. This dashboard centralizes failure data, providing real-time tracking and historical trends to speed up issue resolution.

How Does It Solve Real-Time Problems?

Instead of manually digging through logs, developers get instant failure updates, visual insights, and a clear history of issues. With a fast Node.js backend and PostgreSQL database, the dashboard makes debugging quicker and more efficient, helping devs fix problems before they escalate.

What Makes It Different?

Unlike generic CI tools, this dashboard is custom-built for stdlib’s ecosystem, offering:

• Real-time failure tracking
• Custom analytics & historical insights
• Proactive issue detection
• A simple, visual, and developer-friendly UI

What makes this even more exciting is the opportunity to work with modern frontend technologies like ESBuild and Tailwind, pushing my skills further while building something truly useful. It’s the perfect mix of solving real-world problems and exploring new tools, making this both a meaningful and exciting challenge!

Qualifications

I have strong experience with React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL, making me well-suited for this project. My expertise includes:
• React & Frontend: Building dynamic UIs with JSX, Hooks, and Tailwind CSS.
• Node.js & Backend: Designing RESTful APIs, authentication, and middleware handling.
• PostgreSQL & SQL: Writing optimized queries and indexing.
• Other Skills: Git, API integrations, and real-time data handling with WebSockets.
In these projects, I implemented various features such as building API routes, writing complex SQL queries, fetching data from the GitHub API, etc. These skills will enable me to effectively implement this proposal on time.

Prior art

npm Status Board
The npm Status Board project serves as an excellent example of a developer dashboard aimed at providing real-time insights into the status of npm services. This project, developed by npm, Inc., offers a comprehensive dashboard that monitors the availability and performance of npm's infrastructure, including registry, website, and authentication services.

Commitment

I am fully committed to this project and will dedicate my time and effort to ensure its success. Before the official start of GSoC, I will actively engage in understanding the project requirements, contributing to discussions, and refining my approach. I was able to efficiently manage my time and complete the proposal while fulfilling my obligations at work.
During the program, I plan to invest 35 hours per week as a full-time contributor, focusing on building, testing, and refining the developer dashboard for tracking ecosystem build failures. My schedule is flexible, and I will prioritize this project to meet deadlines and milestones effectively.

Schedule

Development Plan

Week	Focus Area	Tasks	Deliverables
Week 1-2	Backend Initialization and Setup (30-35 hours/week)	- Set up the development environment (Node.js, PostgreSQL). - Install dependencies and configure PostgreSQL connection. - Create a Makefile for automated setup tasks. - Design API structure and implement initial routes for repositories,, build history, and issues.	- Completed environment setup. - Established database connection. - Initial API structure with repository, issue, and build routes.
Week 3-4	API Development and infinite scrolling (25-30 hours/week)	- Develop RESTful APIs for repositories, logs, and recent builds. - Implement infinite scrolling for handling large datasets efficiently. - Optimize database queries. - Develop APIs for key metrics such as test execution times, build rates, and failure/success rates.	- Fully functional backend APIs with scrolling. - API endpoints for logs, metrics, issues, repositories, and builds.
Week 5-6	Frontend Development and API Integration (25-30 hours/week)	- Design a responsive user interface using React and Tailwind CSS. - Implement the main dashboard with graphs for build trends and test execution times. - Develop a repository list page with search, filtering, and key build metrics. - Connect the frontend with backend APIs.	- Dashboard with graphs and repository list. - Filtering functionality for repositories. - Frontend connected with backend APIs.
Week 7-8	Repository Page, Issues, and Recent Builds (30-35 hours/week)	- Develop the repository details page with graphs, build history, and workflow tracking. - Implement the recent builds page with a list of recent builds and filtering by status. - Build the issue tracking page with issue listings and filtering by severity, date, and repository.	- Repository details page with graphs and filtering. - Recent builds page with filtering options. - Issue tracking page with filtering options.
Week 9-11	Real-time Updates and Log Enhancements (30-35 hours/week)	- Implement real-time functionality for logs, builds, and repository updates. - Optimize log display with timestamps and execution details. - Improve user interface performance for a better experience. - Begin documentation of API endpoints and frontend components.	- Real-time functionality integrated. - Improved UI performance. - Initial API and frontend documentation.
Week 12	Documentation and Final Refinements (25-30 hours/week)	- Fix any existing bugs. - Finalize API and frontend documentation. - Prepare the project for submission.	- Complete project documentation. - Final refinements and bug fixes. - Project submission.

---

Notes:

• The community bonding period is a 3 week period built into GSoC to help you get to know the project community and participate in project discussion. This is an opportunity for you to setup your local development environment, learn how the project's source control works, refine your project plan, read any necessary documentation, and otherwise prepare to execute on your project project proposal.
• Usually, even week 1 deliverables include some code.
• By week 6, you need enough done at this point for your mentor to evaluate your progress and pass you. Usually, you want to be a bit more than halfway done.
• By week 11, you may want to "code freeze" and focus on completing any tests and/or documentation.
• During the final week, you'll be submitting your project.

Related issues

#4

Checklist

• I have read and understood the Code of Conduct.
• I have read and understood the application materials found in this repository.
• I understand that plagiarism will not be tolerated, and I have authored this application in my own words.
• I have read and understood the patch requirement which is necessary for my application to be considered for acceptance.
• I have read and understood the stdlib showcase requirement which is necessary for my application to be considered for acceptance.
• The issue name begins with [RFC]: and succinctly describes your proposal.
• I understand that, in order to apply to be a GSoC contributor, I must submit my final application to https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/ before the submission deadline.

[kgryte]

@jalajk3004 Thank you for opening this RFC. A few comments/questions:

1. You've placed a decent amount of emphasis in your proposal on real-time update support. I question whether this is necessary and just adds unnecessary complexity. Have you considered a static dashboard which is built via a periodic cron job (e.g., every 6-12 hours)? This would be similar to how we have setup www-status where we periodically poll to measure uptime.
2. An issue viewer is not particularly interesting for devs, as we can simply go to the main project issue tracker.
3. Pagination only involving, e.g., 10 repos at a time is not particularly helpful. It would be more useful to provide a much broader view and show many more repos at the same time. That would come with certain technical challenges (e.g., rendering many DOM nodes). However, there exist known solutions (e.g., React infinite scroll tables, etc). I suggest thinking in terms of personas and user stories to think about the types of concerns devs will be most likely interested in and then design from there.
4. Given the number of queries which may be necessary to populate dashboard data, how do you plan to minimize server load, especially when our PG DB is on a resource constrained server?

[jalajk3004]

Thank you for your feedback, @kgryte

1. I have indeed considered the possibility of implementing a static dashboard refreshed via a periodic cron job, similar to how www-status operates. In fact, I’ve reviewed the www-status repo and understand the benefits of this model: it’s simple, resilient, and easy to maintain.
   That said, I proposed real-time update support not for the sake of complexity, but to serve a different developer use case: debugging build failures with minimal latency in fast-moving ecosystems.

Why Real-Time May Be Worth the Tradeoff

• Real-Time UX Enhances Developer Productivity
• Scalable Architecture via Hybrid Approach
  Real-time doesn’t have to mean full-blown complexity. Backend can still process batch build results via cron or CI action and Frontend can poll every few minutes or use WebSockets only when devs are actively viewing the dashboard.

Ultimately, I’m here to solve a real problem for stdlib contributors. If mentors feel the real-time element is unnecessary for now, I’m happy to scope it out and focus on delivering a robust, static dashboard. I simply wanted to present the real-time idea as a potential value-add—not a requirement.

2. You're absolutely right that GitHub already provides a robust issue tracker, and for general development workflows, developers are well-accustomed to using it directly. What we can do is, show the top recent issues of that particular repo and on pressing the view all the issues, it will redirect to the github issue page

3. This is a great point, and I agree completely. Simple pagination with only 10 repositories per page may feel limiting, especially in the context of stdlib’s scale and how developers interact with the ecosystem. So yes — instead of limiting the UI to classic pagination, I plan to implement a broad, responsive, and scalable dashboard using infinite scroll and virtualization.

4. I’ve thought a lot about performance, especially knowing that our PostgreSQL instance has limited resources. To keep things fast and lightweight

• I’ll create indexes (including partial ones) on commonly filtered fields like status, repo_name, etc , so the database can respond quickly without scanning full tables, have optimise queries and have buffer storage for frequent data
• For heavy aggregations (like failure trends or top failing packages), I’ll use materialized views — basically precomputed results that refresh periodically (e.g., via cron). This offloads expensive queries from live traffic.
• Hot data (like recent failures or filtered lists) will be cached in Redis with short TTLs. That way, most requests won’t even touch the database

I’ve updated the RFC as per our discussion. Kindly have a look whenever you get the chance.
Please let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to add, if you have any additional questions, or if further clarification is needed.

Looking forward to your feedback!