Re: [Tcl-gsoc] mtmtcl

[Lars H. <Lar...@re...>]

Wojciech Mandziuk skrev:
> Dear Mr Hellstrom,
> 
> I'm seeking for appropriate project for me in GSOC 2010. Before a
> while I've found Your suggestion aiming to widen range of mathematical
> structures. I'm studying computer science (Fundamental Problems of
> Technology Faculty, Wroclaw University of Technology) and at this
> semester I've got a course named "Abstract algebra" (in fact I've got
> it for the second time, because year ago I couldn't participate in
> final exam). I don't want to bother You if I'm far away from relevant
> qualified student, that's why I decided to write earlier an email. I'm
> using LateX (i.e my Thesis at my first study was written with LateX),
> so I think this knowledge should be sufficient (if not I've got a
> base, which I could develop in a short time).

So far it looks good.

> But problem is with a
> knowledge of Tcl/Tk - it'll take some time to learn it for me (I won't
> manage to learn it till Friday) because I'm totally new in using
> Tcl/Tk. I'd like to ask if You're taking under consideration to accept
> participation of not advanced Tcl programmer ?

I don't think this must be a show-stopper; Tcl (there wouldn't need to 
be any Tk involved in this project) is a rather simple language, and I 
believe one aspect of mentoring would be to point out the parts of the 
language that are relevant for the task at hand. On the other hand, 
you'll have a bit of a disadvantage trying to convince the Tcl/Tk 
community that one of its project slot should go to you.

Still, it so far seems that only one application has been submitted, so 
your chances are not null. What you need to do is produce a *good* 
(because of the aforementioned disadvantage) application, and submit it 
on the GSoC site before the deadline -- which is tomorrow 
(http://socghop.appspot.com/document/show/gsoc_program/google/gsoc2010/timeline)!

As I understand it, things which should be in your application are:
   * Which structures (generally speaking: subprojects)
     do you intend to implement?
   * What is you timeline for this?
With different tasks being as independent as they are in this case, you 
should probably be able to complete some of them by the mid-term 
evaluation. Saying which will demonstrate that your mentor can 
determine that the project is on track.

Mentioning what topics are covered in your Abstract Algebra course 
should also be helpful.


> With regards
> Wojciech Mandziuk
> 
> P.S.
> I see another benefit from this project for me - improving this part
> of mathematical knowledge will help me pass my exam with a better mark
> :)

Yes, one learns it in a rather more robust manner when one actually has 
to do things with it, as opposed to knowing things about it.

Lars Hellström