Community Member Monday: Yusuf Keten
Today we’re talking to Yusuf Keten, who added new features to LibreOffice as part of the Google Summer of Code 2020. He was mentored by Muhammet Kara from Collabora Productivity. Here’s what he had to say…
To start, tell us a bit about yourself!
I was born on February 25, 1998 in Istanbul, Turkey. Currently I’m a third-year Computer Engineering student at Hacettepe University in Turkey. I really like coding. Nowadays, I am working on computer graphics. Also, I have academic projects about GPGPU programming. I am contributing to LibreOffice in my free time because of my enthusiasm for open source culture.
Apart from programming, I like to spend my time playing electric guitar, drawing. Also, I describe myself as a coffee lover! You can find me on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Why did you decide to become a member of The Document Foundation, the non-profit behind LibreOffice?
I came across TDF when I attended a LibreOffice Bootcamp given by Muhammet Kara. He explained what TDF does, and its values. I was really impressed, because supporting an open source project is a wonderful mission. Also, there are lots of talented people in TDF. Therefore, I wanted to be part of this great organization and contribute to TDF’s activities.
What are you working on in LibreOffice right now?
I have been working on User Experience topics for nearly a year. I created a new Additions dialog as during my Google Summer of Code work. It provides an interface for adding any extension types such as fonts, templates etc. with only one click. Also, users can search extensions based on how many votes they have, downloads and comments. Check out my GSoC report.
Anything else you plan to do in the future?
In my GSoC project, there are still some bugs and missing features. I would like to fix these bugs and add these features. Also, I may add other new features to LibreOffice, if they is needed.
Even though I worked on User Experience parts until now, I may work on computer graphics aspects of LibreOffice in the future – because I’m improving my skills in this area.
We at TDF would like to share our appreciation for Yusuf for all his contributions! We’re really happy to have him on board as a member. Indeed, everyone in the community who’s active in our projects is welcome to become a member!
I like Libre Office. I tend to support “the small guy/ underdog”… not that Libre Office is that. However, I have used this many times and want to keep using it. There are things that are simply put, are not user friendly. For example, setting up default margins or fonts and etc. why can’t it be more simple?
Hi Ken, “simple” is often a very subjective matter. Some people have different approaches and workflows. In any case, please bear in mind that we’re a volunteer-driven, community open source project with limited resources. We do all we can, but if you want something to change/improve, the best way is to contribute back! Join our Design community, for instance, and work with them: https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Design
Straight talk leaves no room for error. Thanks Mike. I don’t know Ken, however, I do know my sensitivity to that type of response has matured over the years. Sometimes we (general You and I) do not get how 20% work so that 80% may benefit . . . and nowadays, after the “I-Me-Mine” phase, we’re lucky to get 10% input — I recall being the editor of a college student newspaper where I had to complete issues by a few of us using various aliases to give the impression of increased involvement, interest and contribution. That’s one of many instances that has nurtured my maturing stages to know exactly what your response to Ken really means. Ken, I trust that you are motivated to get involved with finding and/or creating the solution you are looking for; I know I am excited about this whole great opportunity. Thank you both for sharing! Looking forward to working directly and/or indirectly with you. Peace & Love.