May 2026 focused on stabilizing image-layer builds in nested Bazel workspaces for the aspect-build/rules_js project. Delivered a robust fix for js_image_layer with local_path_override support in bzlmod-nested setups, strengthened path resolution, and improved error handling during builds. The work reduces build-time failures in complex module graphs and improves tar/mtree correctness when packaging runfiles.

April 2026: Implemented a robust fix for crates_repository cache invalidation under Bazel 8 in bazelbuild/rules_rust. The change explicitly watches cargo_lockfile, lockfile (when present), and each manifest entry to ensure changes are detected and the repository is re-fetched automatically. Implemented in commit 278d31e46d6712f8a46e01e6edc29d218b6ede0c (PR #3967). Verified in a large monorepo (Bazel 8.6.0, rules_rust 0.66.0) showing automatic re-fetching after Cargo.toml or lockfile updates, eliminating stale defs.bzl. This reduces manual interventions (no more need for bazel clean or sync) and improves CI reliability in nested/local_repository setups. Demonstrated strong Bazel internals understanding and Rust tooling integration; aligns with Bazel 8 upgrade trajectory.