[RFC]: GSoC 2026 Application – Benchmark Visualization (TAP Parser & Plotting)

[Owais-Siddique-11]

Full name

Owais Shafkat Siddique

University status

Yes

University name

Laxmi Institute Of Technology

University program

Bachelor in Computer Science and Engineering

Expected graduation

2026 June

Short biography

I am a Computer Science Engineering student with a strong interest in backend development and developer tools. I have experience working with JavaScript, Node.js, and full-stack web development. I have built projects involving API design, authentication systems, and data handling.

I am particularly interested in building scalable systems and improving developer experience through tools and automation. I enjoy working on problems involving data processing, performance, and clean system design.

Timezone

Asia/Kolkata (IST)

Contact details

siddiqueowais499@gmail.com

Platform

Windows

Editor

VSCode , AntiGravity

Programming experience

I have experience building full-stack web applications using JavaScript, Node.js, and React. One of my key projects includes an airline booking backend system that handles authentication, booking workflows, and concurrency-safe operations.

I have also worked on projects involving API development, database integration, and real-time updates. Through these projects, I have developed a strong understanding of backend architecture and data flow.

JavaScript experience

I have been working with JavaScript for building both frontend and backend applications. I am comfortable with asynchronous programming, promises, and working with APIs.

My favorite feature of JavaScript is its flexibility and asynchronous capabilities, which make it suitable for building scalable applications. One challenge I have noticed is managing complexity in large codebases, which requires disciplined structure and modular design.

Node.js experience

I have used Node.js to build backend systems and REST APIs. I have experience handling routing, middleware, authentication, and database operations.

I am particularly interested in using Node.js for building scalable services and processing structured data, which aligns well with this project.

C/Fortran experience

I know C but not worked on it

Interest in stdlib

What interests me about stdlib is its focus on providing high-quality, well-tested utility functions for numerical and data processing tasks. I find the idea of building reliable and reusable tools for developers particularly appealing.

This project aligns with my interest in developer tooling, especially in transforming raw benchmark data into meaningful insights.

Version control

Yes

Contributions to stdlib

Dont have any

stdlib showcase

I never used it but I'll learn about it

Goals

The goal of this project is to implement a TAP parser capable of supporting the latest TAP specification and to build a visualization system for benchmark results.

The parser will convert TAP output into structured data, which will then be used to generate visual representations such as Unicode-based charts. This will allow developers to easily compare benchmark results across different configurations.

The project will focus on improving developer productivity by eliminating the need for manual parsing and external tools, providing an integrated solution within the existing ecosystem.

Why this project?

This project interests me because it combines data processing with developer tooling. I enjoy working on systems that improve developer experience and make workflows more efficient.

The idea of transforming raw benchmark output into meaningful visual insights is both technically engaging and practically useful. It aligns with my experience in backend development and interest in building tools that simplify complex processes.

Qualifications

I have experience working with JavaScript and Node.js in building backend systems and handling structured data. My work on API-driven applications has given me a strong understanding of data flow and system design.

Additionally, I am comfortable learning new concepts quickly and applying them to real-world problems, which will be essential for understanding TAP specifications and implementing a robust parser.

Prior art

Benchmark visualization and TAP parsing have been explored in various tools and libraries. For example, JavaScript libraries such as node-tap provide parsing capabilities for TAP output. Additionally, visualization tools like Vega and Plotly are commonly used to transform structured data into graphical insights.

However, these solutions often require manual integration and external tooling, which adds friction to the developer workflow. This project aims to provide a more integrated and streamlined approach by combining TAP parsing and visualization within a single ecosystem.

There are also examples of CLI-based visualization tools that use Unicode plots, which align with the proposed approach of lightweight, dependency-free visualization.

Commitment

I plan to dedicate approximately 30–35 hours per week during the GSoC period. Before the program begins, I will spend time understanding the codebase, TAP specification, and existing benchmark workflows.

During the program, I will consistently contribute code, documentation, and testing while maintaining regular communication with mentors. I do not have any major conflicting commitments and will be fully available throughout the program.

After the program, I intend to continue contributing to the project by refining features, addressing feedback, and improving documentation.

Schedule

• Community Bonding Period:

  • Set up development environment
  • Study TAP specification and existing codebase
  • Discuss design approach with mentors
  • Create initial design for parser and visualization

• Week 1:

  • Implement basic TAP parser structure
  • Parse simple test cases

• Week 2:

  • Extend parser to handle edge cases
  • Convert parsed data into structured JSON

• Week 3:

  • Add support for full TAP specification
  • Begin writing unit tests for parser

• Week 4:

  • Finalize parser functionality
  • Improve performance and reliability

• Week 5:

  • Design visualization module (CLI-based Unicode charts)
  • Implement basic plotting functionality

• Week 6 (midterm):

  • Integrate parser with visualization system
  • Demonstrate working prototype

• Week 7:

  • Add support for comparisons across benchmarks
  • Improve formatting and usability

• Week 8:

  • Add parameter-based grouping and filtering
  • Enhance visualization clarity

• Week 9:

  • Improve error handling and edge case support
  • Expand test coverage

• Week 10:

  • Optimize performance
  • Refactor code for maintainability

• Week 11:

  • Documentation and usage examples
  • Code cleanup and final testing

• Week 12:

  • Final refinements based on mentor feedback
  • Prepare final submission

• Final Week:

  • Submit project
  • Address final review comments

Related issues

This proposal is based on issue #6: Add support for visualizing benchmark results.

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.