Hi, I’m Riya

I’m a computer science student who likes building real things, fixing broken systems, and understanding how stuff works under the hood. I learn best by doing, breaking, and rebuilding. I’m serious about backend engineering, open source, and long-term growth.

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What I’m Good At

Problem Solving

I don’t panic when things stop working. I sit with the problem, reproduce bugs, trace logic, and stay until I understand the root cause. I care more about correctness and clarity than shortcuts.

Systems Thinking

I naturally think in flows and structure. I like understanding why a system exists, how components interact, and how small changes affect the whole. I enjoy backend logic and architecture more than surface-level features.

Open Source Work

I have experience contributing to a real production framework, Fastify. I understand how maintainers think, how reviews work, and why tests and backward compatibility matter. I can take feedback, revise my work, and improve without ego.

Writing and Communication

I can explain technical ideas clearly. I also write creatively through my blog, which helps me document, reflect, and communicate better. This shows up in my PR descriptions, test names, and documentation.

Consistency and Resilience

I keep working even when motivation is low. I’ve built through pressure, burnout, and uncertainty. I show up regularly, and I know this compounds over time.

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Projects and Work

Fastify Open Source Contributions

Tech: Node.js, Fastify, JavaScript, Testing (node:test)

I contributed to Fastify’s core codebase and worked on real issues affecting users.

PR 6269: ESLint Configuration Improvement

I added a max-len rule to improve code consistency and readability across the codebase. This helped me understand code quality standards in a large project.

PR 6326: Benchmark Framework Expansion (Closed)

I proposed adding more frameworks to Fastify’s benchmark comparison table. Although the PR was closed in favor of another solution, it shows my initiative, research, and willingness to contribute beyond assigned issues.

PR 6275: Fix printRoutes commonPrefix Behavior

I fixed unintuitive behavior in fastify.printRoutes({ commonPrefix: false }). I reproduced the bug, corrected the route compression logic, and ensured flat routes were returned as expected. I rewrote tests using node:test, cleaned up test structure, and handled review feedback and git rebasing properly.

This contribution taught me how real open source development works from debugging to review cycles.

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SkillSnap: AI Portfolio and Roadmap Generator

Tech: React, Node.js (Fastify), PostgreSQL, AI APIs, Vector DB

SkillSnap is my final year major project. The goal is to help students understand their real skill level and build meaningful portfolios.

Key features:

• AI-personalized learning roadmaps based on pace and performance
• Portfolio generation that is not based on generic templates
• Backend-driven personalization logic
• PDF portfolio export

The project is planned in phases with a 12-week MVP followed by upgrades and expansion.

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Event Management System

Tech: Backend-focused system with CRUD operations, admin workflows

I built an event management system focused on structured data handling and admin control rather than just UI. The system supports full CRUD operations for managing events and related entities.

Key work I did:

• Implemented create, read, update, and delete operations for events
• Designed admin-side workflows for adding and managing data
• Focused on clean data structure and predictable behavior
• Learned how small backend decisions affect usability and maintainability

This project helped me understand how real-world systems manage data, permissions, and updates over time.

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Ruemona: Personal Blog

Ruemona is my personal blog where I write poetry and diary-style reflections about life, growth, and learning. Writing here helps me stay honest, reflective, and clear, which also improves how I think and write about code.

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Problem Solving and DSA

I am building my DSA foundation step by step. I focus on understanding concepts deeply instead of rushing through problems. I have solved problems like LeetCode 136 (Single Number) using XOR and studied core topics like vectors and Kadane’s algorithm.

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Current Focus

• Backend development with Node.js and Fastify
• Open source contributions and GSoC 2026 preparation
• Consistent DSA practice
• Building SkillSnap end to end

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Final Note

I am not trying to be perfect. I am trying to be consistent, honest, and better than yesterday. I believe in long-term growth, real skills, and building things that matter.