About Me
I’m Avanish Salunke, a B.Tech IT student at VJTI, Mumbai, working at the intersection of mathematics and computing. I’m a Google Summer of Code 2026 contributor with GNU Octave, where my project focuses on adding LinearModel and CompactLinearModel objects to the statistics package. This involves designing and implementing structured, MATLAB-like model classes for regression, handling fitting, parameter estimation, and efficient prediction workflows within Octave’s ecosystem. The work focuses on building clean, consistent abstractions that integrate well with the existing codebase and improve usability for statistical modeling. This blog is where I’ll share my weekly progress, what I’m building, and the challenges I run into along the way.
Google Summer of Code 2026
Project Title: Add LinearModel and CompactLinearModel objects to the statistics package
The GNU Octave Statistics package currently lacks an object-oriented framework for linear regression, missing the deep statistical diagnostics and memory-efficient deployment options found in MATLAB. This project aims to implement the LinearModel and CompactLinearModel classes to cleanly separate heavy model development from lightweight predictions. It will also modernize the fitlm function to support table inputs and Wilkinson formulas, and introduce a highly efficient stepwiselm function for automated model selection. The classes will include essential methods, extensive BIST testing, and comprehensive documentation, greatly improving Octave's statistical capabilities and MATLAB compatibility.
