Developer Test

Overview

Developers at OSE use a diverse set of free and open-source tools to communicate, design, and document on the cloud. 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. If you can be a developer, then you can be a developer.

The test has three main components and must be completed in order:

1. Part 1: Install OSE Linux: The applicant downloads and installs OSE Linux, which includes the mains programs used for Part 2 of 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 workbench in FreeCAD to make features on faces; uses circular assembly constraints; and installs a bolt. Once you learn to make the corner cube, you will document it to complete Part 3 of the test.
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.

• Complete OSE Linux 101: Download and install 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 Corner 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.

In this part of the test you will build a x-y-z corner cube with square tubing.

• Review FreeCAD 101 and follow the instructions there in Task 1: Build a Corner Cube. You will import square tubing into FreeCAD and build a cube, put a bolt through a corner, and sketch your initials in it. (N.B. Once you learn how to make the cube, you will video yourself doing it in Part 3 of the test.).

When you complete Part 2 of the test, move to Part 3.

Part 3: Document Your Work

OSE puts a high value on documenting work through work logs. In the long term, OSE plans to document all the build instructions for 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 it online, then all of a sudden the size of the audience can scale more than any face-to-face exchange. Developers make heavy use of their Work Logs on the OSE Wiki, and document their work there (in linked and embedded youtube videos, pictures, Google Docs, etc.). Documenting and sharing your work publicly makes collaboration much easier for teams that are spread across different states and countries.

In this part of the test, complete the following:

• Record a video of you building the cube, from the beginning, using Vokoscreen.
• Speed up the file to turn it into a 30 second video using Kdenlive.
• Add Pling by Jaspertine from the Open Source Soundtracks.
• Upload the video to YouTube.
• Review Wiki 101 to create a wiki, format your own Work Log, and learn how to upload files, add links, and embed materials.
• Upload the FreeCAD file to your work log.
• Embed your YouTube video on this page in the Self-Verifying FreeCAD Videos section below.
• Comment in the Disqus section section below:
  • Please note how much time each part of the test took to complete: Installing Linux; Learning FreeCAD; and Documenting work--and which section was most difficult.
  • Score yourself 0-100 based on the percentage of the Test points that you have completed successfully - and include that score in your comment.
  • Add any feedback on the videos.

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. ;)

Self-Verifying OSE FreeCAD Exam

Having completed this exercise, you will enable any reviewer to verify your skill set in 30 seconds by viewing a video with your signature (initials on the cube). Here are the results:

Polemidis

Brian Hull - 2/16/2017

Jonathan Kocurek - 02/28/17

Michael Beyer Jr - 3/29/2017

Roberto Jaramillo - 3/30/2017

Chas Murillo - 4/7/2017

Abe Anderson - 4/7/2017

Frank McCormick - 4/11/2017

User:LaszloLG - 04/09/2017

Ahmed Saadaldin Qosaeri - 4/29/2017

Gregory Foster - 04/18/2017

Ayodele Arigbabu - 04/29/2017

Kassie Paul - 05/05/2017

Israel Reyes - 05/13/17

Oliver Schlueter - 05/16/2017

DixonNahrwold - 05/19/2017

Abraham Rodriguez - 05/20/2017

Jozef Mikler III - 05/20/2017

Jean-Baptiste Vervaeck - 06/03/2017

Michael Altfield - 06/04/2017

Will van Twuijver - 6/7/2017

Comment on your OSE Test Experience

---

---

Will van Twuijver completed OSE FreeCAD test 6/7/2017

At first I had some trouble with installing the OSE-linux: I was working from a macbook and the that did not recognize the USB stick containing the linux. I tried a lot to make it work, but it did not help. Eventually I installed the OSE-linux on a Lenovo T520 and that worked fine. Freecad felt a bit counter-intuitive and seems to have some bugs in it. This caused some frustration, but after spending some hours doing tutorials it became easier. It was really helpful to watch other Freecad tests online.

Test took me 30 minutes to complete. A lot of that time was spent clicking around and learning how the software worked. Overall, FreeCAD worked fine and only had a few glitches for me. I would say pretty good for a free software. This was my first time working with the assembly workbench. There was a few places where I thought the software could be improved but I'll wait until I use it more before I complain too much. I would rate myself a 75 out 100.

The FreeCAD took me awhile due to software and also a new interface, features, and multiple unknowns. It took me about 6+hrs figuring out certain issues with sketching my initials on to the metal. Definitely will have to study up on all of the different components of the software.

---

---

Jean-Baptiste Vervaeck - Completed OSE FreeCAD Test 06/03/2017

After 12+ hours of practicing in FreeCAD, downloads & installations, watching tutorials and reading through freeCAD documentation, I was able to work through steps 3 through 8 in 37 minutes. I was running FreeCAD in ubuntu 16.04 running inside VirtualBox 5.1.14 on a Win7 PC which slowed down the process considerably. It took me quite a while just to find the "just right" configuration in order for kdenlive to properly render the edited video (it was only when my CPU usage maxed out that there were interruptions in the quality of the rendered video). 80/100 -- 10 point deduction for not tightening the nut/washer on the bolt and another 10 point deduction for not adding in the inner parts on the letter "B" in my initials pocket. Also, I started out working with the wrong parts file, not having been able to find the 8 hole tube with square corner file on the wiki till it was pointed out to me.

---

---

Michael Beyer Jr : 2017-03-29 : 15 hours

probably more like a total of 45 hours as i am still actively learning linux after making it my main operating system a few months ago, so time spent learning freecad was interspersed through also learning linux at the same time. i believe i completed all tasks in a satisfactory manner. i can't grade myself exactly but i know i would like to just generally keep improving learning all functions of creating and manipulating 3d objects as well as improving creating objects with the most efficient constraint set as possible, and to become quicker at all these processes.

ways to improve my learning will be continued practice, continued vigilant documentation.. having better documentation would have made it easier for me to learn more quickly and effectively, so i seek to add to the documentation. this way, others will have an easier time getting up to speed with the current developments, as the ultimate goal is to decrease barriers to entry and increase motivation to contribute to the project.

---

---

Chas Murillo : 08 April 2017 : 15+ hours

I had some trouble with FreeCAD 0.15 freezing while doing part design so I upgraded to 0.16 on my own ubuntu 16.04 OS. I struggled with manipulating the objects and what sides to click on when moving or revolving an object but eventually figured it out after watching some of the tutorials. I also struggled with writing my initials on the edge of the xyzCube. I figured out that by clicking the face part in sketcher view then clicking "create new sketch" the reference sketch would align with the part. My order of operations for creating the pocket was off and I just had to play around with it for a while and watch some tutorials.

With Vokoscreen I had trouble with it not saving my recordings after I stopped or paused the recording multiple times while taking breaks. All in all I give myself a 90/100 cuz I think I could've done a nicer job and I didn't follow directions by upgrading to the newer FreeCAD to finish my part.

---

---

---

---

Frank McCormick: April 10 2017: 4 hours

I would say for me i spent a couple of hours just messing around in freecad to get a feel for it. Once I spent a couple of hours in the program I was able to get the hang of it and was able to complete the build fairly quickly(20minutes or so). The longer portion was learning Vdenlive and getting the video rendered. I also had a couple of issues with my files saving. So there was a little rework for me when I lost some files. Overall I would give myself an 85/100. I struggled at first with the bolt and getting it placed and also had a little trouble with Kdenlive at first. I think my initial use of Kdenlive was sloppy and poorly edited. I definitely think I could improve my use there.

---

---

Ayodele Arigbabu: April 29 2017: 18 hours

I spent roughly 18 hours installing the OSE iso to USB, getting acquainted with FreeCAD, Kdenlive and Vokoscreen, running the test and putting the recording together. The greater portion of that time was spent learning how FreeCAD works, the actual build took 45 minutes, though I did a dry run before recording and that helped. Installing OSE Linux was largely pain free thanks to the helpful tutorial posted on how to go about it for Windows installations, I'm however wondering if it would work fine setting up a virtual machine on Windows to run OSE Linux instead of the USB route. Would like to know if anyone has done that. Score? 90% Would have aimed for more, but I'm likely to have missed out something.

---

---

Israel Reyes : May 13, 2017: 20+ hours

The FreeCAD exam only took about 20 min. A lot of time was spent figuring out why I was unable to boot the OSELinux distro on the laptop I'm using, it turns out HP's Pavilion dv7 BIOS doesn't support booting from USB and HP doesn't seem to provide any updates for the particular model I have. OSELinux booted fine and I was able to use it briefly on my desktop, however, my desktop has video card issues and crashes periodically so was not an option for the exam which would have required use of the card for FreeCAD, Kdenlive and Vokoscreen. I ended up using Ubuntu Studio 16.04, installed on the Pavilion DV7, which has some unusual discrepancies with the available FreeCAD packages. For some reason, different packages are installed depending on whether you use the Software installer (0.17) or apt-get install (0.15). FreeCAD 0.17 installed from the Software installer doesn't seem to install in a way you can add mods to ~/.FreeCAD/Mod, however, FreeCAD 0.15 installed via apt-get install does. FreeCAD 0.17 comes with the Assemble 2 workbench pre-installed, FreeCAD 0.15 does not, but you can add it with some unusual issues I only found while playing around with constraints in the Assemble 2 workbench. After running into the constraint issues I added a different ppa repo for FreeCAD and upgraded to 0.16 and just did the exam, I believe the constraint issues are still present. I will attempt using OSELinux on a new computer I have, I just haven't had time to get that one running, other issues there.

Kdenlive (15.12.3) comes pre-installed on Ubuntu Studio and Vokoscreen (2.4.0) can be installed via the Software installer. Both are pretty straightforward to use.

---

---

Oliver Schlueter : May 16, 2017: 12+ hours

I did the test with a FreeCAD 0.17 version that i compiled from the masterbranch sources. Spend about two thirds of the time to explore some freecad-features like the assembly-workbench and made testruns for each part before doing the exam. I struggled a bit with finding the right screw in the fastener-lib, because i only found M24/220mm. Kdenlive editing worked so far, but i needed some time to find out how the compression works. I would score myself at about 70%. The whole test was a nice challenge for me, but fun. I learned some new things and look forward to doing more practical exercises within the development work.

---

---

--DixonNahrwold (talk) 06:47, 19 May 2017 (CEST)

---

---

Abraham Rodriguez : May 20, 2017: 20+

Every day,during 10 days, after work, I did tutorials until feel confident enough with the workbenchs. Mount the cube took me 20 minutes (after 1 hour or more testing which workbench would do the job better,it was Assembly workbench). At the time of produce the video. I found it would make me lose frames if I speed it up,then I cut some parts and mounted the final cut. I lost time finding a way of do it better.It seems, there are not another way if you use the speed effect. I haven't need help of these responses above, but I have read some of them. I would rate them all with 100.

Ahmed Saadaldin Qosaeri: April 29, 2017

this was the first time i use FreeCAD so i spent almost ten hours playing around with the software and watching tutorials on youtube to get introduced to the software. It took me around 45 minutes to assemble the cube and another few minutes to speed up the recorded video to 30 seconds and adding the music, i did that using camtasia. I faced too many technical issues as I'm a mac user and we are required to do everything using Linux OS so after two weeks of struggling, i gave up and i did it using MAC OS and I'm currently solving those technical issues. Finally, It was a great experience and I would give myself 90. -