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 do what a developer does, 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 (or runs off a live USB), which includes the main 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
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 or DVD.
- Read 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. ( Quarter Inch Stock Tubing )
- Review the FreeCAD Tutorial 1 and FreeCAD Tutoral 2 at FreeCAD 101. Watch this over and over until you can follow all the Steps. If you follow these 2 videos completely, you will not need to watch any other tutorials. You will need to stop and replay these videos frequently as they are very much condensed and fast.
Hint: Please provide feedback on Tutorial 1 and 2 in your log - so that we can learn how we can teach FreeCAD more effectively. Let us know if Tutorial 1 and 2 are sufficient for you to complete the FreeCAD Test - or whether you had to see many other tutorials. If 1 and 2 are not sufficient - and you had to look for other tutorials - please let us know specifically how we can improve the video to make it more clear. Our goal is to make our first 2 tutorials comprehensive so we can help you with rapid learning. Please document your suggestions in your Work Log (which you set up already for your Video Cover Letter).
- Follow the instructions at FreeCAD_101#Task_1:_Create_Corner_Cube_.28For_Developer_Test.29 - 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 and embed it below).
When you complete Part 2 of the test, move to Part 3.
Part 3: Document Your Work in Your Work Log
OSE puts a high value on documenting work through work logs. 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 you document issues, we can improve them. 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 - and documentation enables process improvement. We are creating a culture of working openly and transparently, which we believe is critical to the improvement of humankind.
Now, complete the following:
- Record a video of you building the cube, from the beginning, using Vokoscreen. (Feel free to review Old FreeCAD Tests.)
- Record a video of your entire OSE Linux Desktop. This is to show that you were able to install and use OSE Linux. Record your voice with Vokoscreen to discuss your OSE Linux experience - how long it took you to create the OSE Linux Live USB, and comments on whether all the programs necessary to complete the Developer Test worked for you properly within OSE Linux. This should take no more than 15 seconds.
- Speed up the FreeCAD test part of your Test and turn it into a 30 second video using Kdenlive.
- Add your OSE Linux Desktop video. This shows your ability to compose clips into a video. This will make your entire video no more than 45 seconds long.
- Add Pling by Jaspertine from the Open Source Soundtracks. Add this only to the FreeCAD video part of your video edit.
- Upload the video to your own channel on YouTube.
- Upload the FreeCAD file to your work log and embed your FreeCAD Cube video there.
- In your Work Log - document:
- How many hours each part of the test took to complete: 1) Installing Linux; 2) Learning FreeCAD; and 3) Documenting your work--and which section was most difficult.
- Add any other feedback you have on the FreeCAD Test or the Developer Test in general.
- Score yourself 0-100 based on the percentage of the Test points that you have completed successfully - and include that score in your work log comments.
- When you have completed these tasks, please email info at opensourceecology dot org to notify us of your completion
- Please post a link to your work log so others can see your results in the Disqus comment below.
Links
Hint: Review tests from early 2017 here: Old FreeCAD Tests
