Developer Test

Overview

Developers at OSE use a diverse set of free and open-source tools for communication, design, and cloud documentation. The developer test focuses on the performance of certain authentic tasks as the criteria for becoming a developer. Credentials are very important in terms of predicting and describing someone's competencies, but credentials are neither necessary nor sufficient. If someone has a credential but cannot perform OSE tasks, that credential itself is not sufficient. And if someone can perform OSE tasks but does not have a credential, that credential is not necessary. To become a developer, you just demonstrate that you have learned to do what developers do. The test of whether or not you can use Linux, design something in CAD, and document your work on a wiki is to use Linux, design something in CAD, and document your work on the wiki. The test is self-verifying.

The test has three main components and must be completed in order (as Part 3 depends on 2, and 2 depends on 1):

1. Part 1: Install OSE Linux: The applicant downloads and installs OSE Linux, which includes the mains programs used for the test (FreeCAD, Kdenlive, Chromium, and Vokoscreen software).
2. Part 2: Design a cube in FreeCAD: The applicant downloads and uses tubes from the OSE's part library; imports them into FreeCAD, and rotates, moves, and aligns them in 3D; uses the Sketcher in FreeCAD to make features on faces; uses circular assembly constraints; and installs a bolt.
3. Part 3: Document Your work on the Wiki: The applicant documents the FreeCAD work by capturing screen casts using Vokoscreen; editing the video with KdenLive; publishing the video through YouTube; creating a work log on the wiki, uploading FreeCAD source files to the wiki, and embedding the video there.

Now to begin the test, complete the following items.

Part 1: Install OSE Linux

OSE Linux is a freely downloadable operating system that contains all software that is used regularly at OSE. It is run as a Live USB without the user having to modify or upset their usual operating system in any way whatsoever. This addresses dozens of hours that it would potentially take to download and configure all the software and libraries in common use by OSE. Instead, a single install, taking under half hour of dedicated user time after download, is sufficient to download the entire operating system. It is a good practice for OSE Developers to download and use the system to avoid software malfunction, improper settings, and the lost time it takes to download or install various software, extensions, workbenches and browser plugins, etc. OSE uses only open source software to produce all of its work product to facilitate interoperability with a large global team of developers. OSE Linux can be used by downloading the ISO, and creating a bootable USB stick or DVD. Instead of using one's regular operating system, one can choose - upon startup - to run the OSE Linux operating system from a USB stick, DVD, etc.

1. Complete OSE Linux 101: Download and install the OSE Linux on a USB stick so you can run it in Live USB mode. (OSE Linux includes all the programs for the test: FreeCAD, Kdenlive, Chromium, and Vokoscreen software.)

When you complete Part 1 of the test, move to Part 2.

Part 2: Design a Cube in FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a free and opensource program for designing structures, parts, and machines. It is mostly used in architectural and mechanical engineering contexts. OSE uses FreeCAD both for its mechanical design work for the machines in the Global Village Construction Set, and for its project to create educational documents for teaching people to build those designs.

1. Review FreeCAD 101. (Once you learn how to do the following, you will video yourself doing it.)
2. Download 8-hole square tubing (without rounded corners) from the OSE Part Library.
3. In FreeCAD use the tubing to create an x-y-z bolted corner cube.
4. When you are done building the cube, create a 1" bolt and nut using the Bolt Library in FreeCAD.
5. Insert one bolt through any of the corners, as if you were actually building the cube - using the Assembly Workbench in FreeCAD.
6. Tighten the bolt with the nut (just insert the nut onto the bolt).
7. Now take any face on the tubing of the resulting cube - and using Sketcher on that particular face - write your initials on that face. Pocket those initials so that they are cut into the face.

Part 3: Document Your Work

OSE puts a high value on documenting work through work logs. In the long term, OSE plans to document how to build the Global Village Construction Set. But documentation is also key in the development process itself. If someone solves a problem but does not share it, the solution remains private. But if that person documents that solution and publishes that solution online, then all of a sudden the size of the audience can scale more than any face-to-face exchange. Developers document their work to show their work and share it. Publishing your work publicly makes collaboration much easier for teams that are spread across different states and countries.

1. Review Wiki 101
2. Create a wiki page and make your own Work Log.
3. Record a video of you building the cube, from the beginning, using Vokoscreen.
4. Speed up the file to turn it into a 30 second video using Kdenlive.
5. Add Pling by Jaspertine from the Open Source Soundtracks
6. Upload the video to YouTube and embed it in your work log.
7. Upload the FreeCAD file to your Work Log.
8. Record how long it took you to learn the FreeCAD tutorials and Kdenlive. Please include any suggestions on the videos. Also, please score yourself 0-100 based on the percentage of the Test points that you have completed successfully - and include that score in your comment.

Completion

When you have completed these tasks, email HR to notify them of your completion.

You have now demonstrated the aptitude to be an open source developer. Welcome to the Team, Ms/r. Opensourcer. ;)