January 2023 Summaries

The Google Machine Learning communities celebrated significant achievements and activities in the last quarter of 2022, showcasing a global collaboration among members. The DevFest 2022 events highlighted diverse machine learning topics with Google products, while the ML Community Summit in Bangkok gathered the most active community members to discuss their experiences with Google's ML tools. Noteworthy projects included implementations of advanced models like MAXIM and gMLP in TensorFlow, as well as practical applications such as deploying TensorFlow models in Android apps and enhancing low-light images. The community also explored JAX for high-performance ML research, with tutorials on its use in various applications. Additionally, the community engaged in competitions and workshops, like the Kaggle challenges and MLOps sessions, to foster learning and innovation. These efforts demonstrate the vibrant and collaborative nature of the global ML communities, advancing the field through shared knowledge and cutting-edge projects.

The 17th edition of the Android/Angular Google Dev Library Letter, dated January 24, 2023, showcases a selection of standout projects developed using Google technologies and shared on the Google Dev Library platform. Featured Android projects include a transformation library by Daichi Furiya, a camera library in Jetpack Compose by Lucas Yuji Yoshimine, and a lightweight PDF viewer by Rajat Mittal. In the Machine Learning category, Bachir Chihani explores stable diffusion using Flax and TPU, highlighting the potential of diffusion models for generating photorealistic images. Angular content includes a tutorial on managing objects in FormControl by Dharmen Shah, while Flutter insights are provided by Aleksandr Denisov on developing for Apple TV and Anna Leushchenko on assertions in Dart and Flutter tests. Google Cloud topics discussed include database migration complexities with migVisor by Pritam Sahoo, serverless Python APIs with Goblet by Austen Novis, and insights on GCP Network Topology by Gaurav Madan. Each project aims to stimulate creativity and innovation among developers using these technologies.

Android developers have access to a plethora of tools and resources through Google's Dev Library, which curates open-source libraries and projects to aid in mobile app development for over 2.5 billion devices worldwide. Highlighted in a blog post by Swathi Dharshna Subbaraj, the library includes notable projects such as Coil, a lightweight image loading library utilizing Kotlin Coroutines; LitePal, which simplifies SQLite database management; and Tivi, a TV show tracking app showcasing modern Android development practices. Other noteworthy projects are Showkase, which aids in organizing and visualizing Jetpack Compose UI elements; Pokedex, following Google's official architecture guidance using Hilt and Coroutines; Learn Jetpack Compose By Example, offering code samples to enhance understanding of the Jetpack Compose framework; and Material Dialog, which allows developers to create customizable dialogs based on Google's Material Design. These resources are designed to inspire and support Android developers in enhancing their app development skills and joining a global community of contributors.

The Serverless Migration Station series, led by Google Cloud Developer Advocate Wesley Chun, focuses on aiding developers in modernizing applications on Google Cloud's serverless platforms. In Module 21, the series addresses migrating applications from using App Engine's proprietary Users service to the Cloud Identity Platform, enhancing app portability across various serverless and compute platforms. This migration involves significant changes, including transitioning from server-side to client-side services and integrating Cloud services like the Cloud Resource Manager API and Firebase Admin SDK to maintain functionality such as recognizing App Engine admin users. Additionally, the transition generally includes updating from Python 2 to Python 3, although Google Cloud continues to support legacy App Engine runtimes. The module guides developers through the necessary coding changes and considerations, such as cost implications and handling third-party libraries, to facilitate this migration while offering resources like codelabs and documentation for further assistance.

The BazelCon DEI lunch panel, moderated by Minu Puranik, focused on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Bazel open-source community, emphasizing the importance of community culture, trust-building, and leadership development. Panelists and audience members, including industry leaders like Helen Altshuler, Eva Howe, and Sophia Vargas, discussed strategies to create an inclusive environment, such as improving beginner documentation, classifying issues for newcomers, and providing mentorship. They highlighted the significance of acknowledging non-code contributions, fostering safe spaces for dialogue, and encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds through sponsorship and training opportunities. The conversation underscored the need for empathy and vulnerability in leadership roles to cultivate a supportive and collaborative community, ultimately enhancing the diversity of contributors and improving the overall culture of the Bazel project.

Google Earth Engine celebrates its vibrant community of developers through the Earth Engine Google Developer Experts (GDEs) program, which was launched in 2022 to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional expertise in the platform and actively share their knowledge. These experts contribute by answering developer queries, creating tutorials and blogs, teaching workshops and classes, organizing meetups and conferences, and developing platform extensions. The program aims to highlight those who effectively utilize Earth Engine to tackle real-world sustainability challenges. With the application process reopening in 2023, interested individuals are encouraged to apply and join the GDE community, with more information available on the Google Developer Experts website.

The Google Developer Student Clubs Solution Challenge is an annual event encouraging university students to address real-world issues using Google technologies, such as Android, Firebase, TensorFlow, and Google Cloud, to tackle one or more of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Participants gain valuable experience applying their skills in a practical context and have the opportunity to showcase their projects, receive mentorship, and win prizes, including cash awards and recognition on the Google Developers Blog. The challenge involves several stages, with projects evaluated in three rounds leading to the announcement of top teams on Demo Day. Google supports participants with resources like live sessions, mentorship, and curated Codelabs, fostering a learning environment where students can enhance their creativity and technical skills while networking with experts.

Lenz Paul transitioned from a sales career at Bell to a technology-focused path by enrolling in a computer science program at Vancouver Island University at age 30, driven by his passion for tech solutions. He quickly became involved in the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC), where he led initiatives to teach Google technologies, enhancing his skills in public speaking and leadership. Leveraging his GDSC experience, Lenz tutored and co-instructed for Google's Tech Equity Collective, focused on increasing Black representation in tech. Embracing Flutter, a relatively new technology, he utilized resources like Google Cloud Skills Boost and codelabs to become a proficient Flutter developer, eventually securing a role at CMiC as a Level 2 software engineer. Lenz continues to focus on mastering his role while aligning with his values of community engagement and knowledge sharing, aiming to inspire other Canadians to pursue technology careers.