Welcome back to our interview series, where we chat with the passionate people behind the Collabora Online code. Collabora Online is made possible by the worldwide team, community, contributors and partners. Today, we’re sitting down with Pranam Lashkari, a developer whose journey into tech began with a DIY computer build and a desire to give users better experience and more features.
About Pranam
Pranam Lashkari is a Software Engineer at Collabora Productivity and a dedicated advocate for open-source software. As a digital nomad, Pranam balances his technical contributions to LibreOffice and Collabora Online with a life of adventure. When he isn’t streamlining C++ codebases or developing new features like “Follow Me” slideshows, he can be found surfing, paragliding, or volunteering at an astronomy observatory to spread science awareness.
What first inspired you to get into tech? Do you remember your earliest experience?
As a 10-year-old child, being able to install games on a computer without anyone’s help made me think I was good at computers! With age, this grew into a profound interest in all things tech. When I was 12, I built my first computer using an AMD Phenom II X2 555. I was very proud of that small achievement, and it motivated me to learn more.
What led you specifically toward the world of open source?
When I was in university, I wanted to write code that would be used by thousands of people. As a “fresher,” it’s hard to get hired by massive projects and see your code in production instantly, and I wasn’t patient at all! I realized the easiest way to achieve that goal was contributing to established open-source projects.
How did you first hear about Collabora Online, and what brought you to the team?
Being a long-time LibreOffice user, I heard about Collabora Online. I was originally hired by Collabora Productivity to contribute to LibreOffice, and as a byproduct, I also developed for Collabora Online.
What was your very first contribution to the project?
I started by removing the Poco C++ Library from the C++ codebase and replacing it with standard C++ libraries.
Which feature or project are you most pleased with working on recently?
I love everything I’ve worked on, but most recently, I’d say the “Follow Me” slideshow and the context toolbar. I am always excited about whatever I’m currently working on; I always want to give users a better experience.
How does this work connect to your personal values?
In a world where most big corporations are trying to steal your data, Collabora Online gives the power back to the user. I love that we provide an alternative where the user owns their data and it is kept private. It feels good to be “good” in an often “evil” tech world.
You describe yourself as a digital nomad. How has the remote work culture at Collabora changed your life?
I always dreamt of being a digital nomad, and I was finally able to achieve that by working with Collabora. It has allowed me to live that lifestyle for the most part while staying connected to the community.
Speaking of the community, you’ve attended COOL Days. What was that experience like for you?
COOL Days makes me feel like I’m not just talking to a robot on a screen, but working with real humans. My most memorable moment was the 2023 treasure hunt in Cambridge – it was the most amazing time I’ve ever had at a conference. I always look forward to the team-building activities.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start contributing but feels intimidated?
Don’t think, just do it. You don’t need to be an expert at anything to start. Open-source contribution is a starting point in tech, not the end point.
Finally, what is something about you that might surprise people?
In my free time, I volunteer at a local astronomy observatory and spread science awareness through various programs. I occasionally surf too and I’m a trained paragliding pilot!
Pranam’s story is a reminder that open source is built by passionate individuals who value freedom – both in their code and in their lives. His work ensures that as we move more of our lives online, we don’t have to trade our privacy to do so.
