[brlcad-devel] Welcome 2012 GSoC Students!

[Christopher S. M. <br...@ma...>]

Welcome to the BRL-CAD project!  As Daniel already stated so perfectly, you successfully managed the Google Summer of Code application process.  Congratulations!  Now it's time to work on preparations.

#0:  First and foremost, make sure you are subscribed to the brlcad-devel mailing list [1]!  That's the guaranteed way we'll send out announcements like this one that need to reach everyone.  This e-mail was sent to the list and bcc'd so you should get it twice if you're subscribed.  Future e-mails will ONLY go to the list. 

#1:  Compile and run BRL-CAD from a Subversion source checkout.  You may use the VM disk image but are encouraged now to get the build working under whatever environment is most efficient for you.  If we have to sort out basic compilation issues *after* the coding timeframe begins, you've failed...  :)  Sort them out now.

#2:  Set up a BRL-CAD wiki user page for posting daily development updates.  Working with open source, you will get into the habit of communicating MUCH more frequently than one normally does with class and thesis work.  *Daily* communication is expected.  Being on IRC is great for interaction, but your wiki page will be a succinct journal of activity for the world at large.

#3:  Send your assigned mentor a quick e-mail just to say hello if you have not done so already.  Their primary role is to track your schedule progress and fill out your evaluation.  Let them know of changes (like if you get sick or take a vacation) or contact them if you have any questions not getting answered.  Do NOT e-mail mentors privately for technical guidance, even if you think it's a dumb or simple question.  All technical discussions should be public either on the mailing list or IRC.

#4:  Get to know your fellow GSoC students and their projects [2].  All eleven of you are climbing the same learning curve and becoming familiarized with BRL-CAD.  Help each other. 

#5:  Ask questions and get someone to review your code patches.   You will be directly committing to SVN after a couple patches have been successfully reviewed and we're confident you probably won't make a mess.  ;)

Finally, if you have not done so already, read the IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED section on our checklist [3].  We here to help you become new BRL-CAD developers so please do speak up if you have any questions or run into problems.   Your GSoC application was accepted in large part because of your ability to communicate with us, so keep up the good work!  Once again, congratulations and welcome.

Cheers!
Sean


[1] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/brlcad-devel
[2] http://www.google-melange.com/gsoc/org/google/gsoc2012/brlcad
[3] http://brlcad.org/wiki/Summer_of_Code/Checklist