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:
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Embed your YouTube video on this page in the Self-Verifying FreeCAD Videos section below.
- Upload the FreeCAD file to your work log.
- Record on your log roughly how long it took you to complete each part of the test 1) Linux Install 2) FreeCAD Design and 3) Documentation. 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.
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 FreeCAD Exam Videos
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:
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
Ahmed Saadaldin Qosaeri : 4/29/2017
Gregory Foster 04/18/2017
Ayodele Arigbabu 04/29/2017
Kassie Paul 05/05/2017
Oliver Schlueter 05/16/2017
Abraham Rodriguez 05/20/2017
Jozef Mikler III 05/20/2017
Michael Altfield 06/04/2017