Worked on the libsdl-org/libtiff repository to enhance the stability and memory management of the TIFF library, focusing on resolving a memory leak related to the default compression state. Addressed this issue by adjusting the cleanup sequence, ensuring that the tif_cleanup function executes earlier across multiple cleanup paths. This change prevented memory leaks when the default compression state was active, improving the library’s reliability and memory footprint. The work involved disciplined debugging and precise code modifications in C, leveraging skills in low-level programming and memory management to deliver a targeted fix that strengthened the robustness of the TIFF library’s core routines.