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GSoC 2023
In the following sections, we'd like to describe a bit better what we expect from applicants and what applicants can expect from us (and what not). Anyone wanting to engage with our project for GSoC 2023 should read and follow this document carefully.
This project will be a GSoC first-timer. The not-so-useful description on the OSM GSoC might raise some question marks on what it really is that we actually expect. The app needs quite a few improvements and the top ones are:
- write easy-to-maintain end-to-end tests
- switch to functional/modern ReactJS instead of class-based
Our expectation is that this will not take the entire 175 hours and we can improve the web app with as many things as we can manage within that time. During the application period there might be many small things being solved already. But don't worry, we have many more enhancement up our sleeves.
You can contact us to express your interest in the associated issue: https://github.com/gis-ops/valhalla-app/issues/67, and we'll take further communication from there.
Officially the application period for GSoC will start on 20.03.2023. However, we understand and appreciate that you don't want to wait that long to get your hands dirty. We'd ask you to follow the following:
- Learn about OpenStreetMap as a whole. Create an account and do some mapping in your local area. Specifically focus on roads and their attributes. After all, this is a routing project.
- Make yourself familiar with our React project. Learn what it is about and what it's providing, and more importantly what might be missing. Build it, use it, break it. Dive into the code a bit.
- Tackle one open issue or, even better, create an issue yourself with stuff you think would be great to have, such as improving documentation or what could be improved on UI/UX. Clearly state that you want to fix the open issue and we'll assign you. If we don't hear anything from you in 5 days, you'll be unassigned and it's given to the next candidate. Also, see Rule 1 and Rule 2.
- Let us know when you think your PR is ready for review. This is a critical point for us, as it shows how you did what without our intervention.
- If you're still there, congrats! Though that's not the final pass to being selected. You'll still have to write the full project proposal. We recommend handing in the proposal as early as possible so there's enough time smoothen out the rough edges. Plan realistically: there's only around 10 weeks and it's a 50% job.
You, a student or someone else with a lot of time, want to know how you could wiggle your way into this GSoC project. Good on you!
However: we expect at least 30 applicants. So chances you'll be selected are actually quite low. Don't feel too bad yet: more than 60% of applications are usually garbage, with maximum 20% actually worth looking at, so be sure to be among those 20%. Then, if you also follow these simple rules, it will easily bring you in the top 3. Then it's mostly luck and the mentors' mood and you can't do anything about that.
We’re a small voluntary team, trying to build a business with our open-source projects and with plenty of work to do already. So really, really don’t waste our time asking silly questions. This is not school. Go through the usual checklist and be your own troubleshooter. That inner monologue is actually part of the learning process.
Then, if you are still stuck, do ask, and clearly show what you tried. "XY is not working, need help!" will not get you anywhere.
During the pre-selection period, i.e. until the end of point 3 in the process, we won't engage much with you. We expect you know how to help yourself, it's part of the selection process for us.
If open source was a phone, we prefer the Nokia 6210 (yes, we're that old!) over the newest iPhone. The former will still run on the first battery charge after the latter's screen had to be replaced 4 times. Low maintenance is the goal. Internalize that. Be simple, do what everyone actually needs: fix bugs, improve coverage, increase efficiency. Make us happy.
That’s it!
Applications run 20.03. – 04.04.2023, but the real time to start working is now. Selections will be announced on May 4th.
Good luck!
Thanks for the inspiration by Lonvia's GSoC Announcement and Kiwix.