Have you contacted an XMMS2 mentor and discussed the project already? Note that we won't read the application until you answer YES on this question.
Yes - Talked with Tobias Rundström
Basics
Just write a small introduction to yourself.
Hi, my name is Taylor Killian, and I love open source. I have been programming since I was 10, after I got my first computer. I got into program so I could be a hacker, not knowing that I was building myself a bright future as a programmer. From there I went off an learned a bunch of languages. I kept on taking on on challenge after another until I was was at the level of those I once looked up to, but realized I have a long way to go. But I'm not all computer all the time, I also like to wrestle and play Guitar Hero. And I guess thats a pretty good size 'small' intro.
I want to participate in the summer of code because I know it is going to be a challenge. I know I am going to have to work hard and long, but at the end I will be able to say that I was a part of something truly great. I know that I will be a better programmer for it too.
Have you developed software in a team environment before? (As opposed to hacking on something on your own)
Yes, but only minimally. I believe now would be a good chance to develop that.
Have you participated to the Google Summer of Code before? As a mentor or a student? In what project? Were you successful? If not, why?
No
What development model would you use (e.g. keywords: V-model, XP programming, agile programming, iterative; with the help of prototyping, formal specifications, tests, etc).
XP Programming
Open Source
Are you already involved with any open source development? If yes, please describe the project and the scope of your involvement.
Yes, ProjectXI and PxiWeb are both open source projects. The goal for the project is to emulate the world servers on the game Final Fantasy XI. At the moment I am the sole developer of ProjectXI. I have successfully disassembled the game in order to decrypt the packets being sent to and from the game, designed a server to accept them, developed a client to modify the game, and researched the packets sent from the game. Currently I am making the world more realistic by adding dialog tables.
Project
Did you select a project from our list? If that is the case, what project did you select?
Yes, I choose 'Support for more formats/stream types', specifically I will be doing Real audio and RTSP
If you figured out a own project please describe the project and the scope.
N/A
Why did you choose this project?
I choose XMMS2 because I like and use the original. I really think that I can help the project by adding some codecs and I know XMMS2 can't be great if it doesn't have them.
What do you expect to gain from this project?
I will be glad to know that I made something, something that people will actually use. I think I will learn to work good with a team of developers. I expect that I will learn new approaches towards programming from my mentor.
What would make you stay in the xmms2-community after the conclusion of SOC?
As long as I have more work to do and a friendly community, I would be happy to stay
Practically
Are you familiar with any of the following tools?
Git - Heard of it but never used it, have used SVN and CVS though
waf - Never heard of it
Which tools do you normally use for development? Why do you use them?
kedit - writing code
SVN - version control
gcc - compiling
What programming languages are you fluent in?
C, C++, PHP, Python
What spoken languages are you fluent in?
English
At what hours are you awake (please specify in UTC)
1300 - 0200
Would you mind talking with your mentor on telephone / internet phone?
Wouldn't mind at all
Detailed answer (optional, but well developed answers highly regarded).
Write a small essay (750-1000 words or more) explaining why you want to participate in an XMMS2 GSoC project. You can use the above questions as guides, but feel free to throw in more information if you feel it is relevant.
What is your perception of 'Open Source'? Briefly explain what you think of the whole 'Open Source' concept, how you discovered Open Source, what you expect to gain/experience by participating in an Open Source project. (Either separate answer, or as part of above mini-essay)
Open Source is great, I try to make all my works open to the public because it just makes life easier on developers. They can search google and be one step closer towards their project goal. Another great thing about open source is that others can modify what you have already done to make something completely new. As a leader of ProjectXI I had trouble getting my community behind me when the project went open source, they thought that somebody was just going to run off and steal the code. In my opinion, thats a good thing, because then they can make something great too and perhaps one day we will borrow code from them. The only problem with open source is when two different groups are competing at building the same thing, like KDE and GNOME, I think it would be better if they were merged as one.
What motivates or inspires you to write programs/develop software?
Working with ProjectXI, my biggest motivation is the users, they always have loads of ideas and really want to see the project succeed, then I want to see them happy. I've always really wanted to know how things work at their most basic level, which drove me to learn assembly, but still I want more. I just love to learn. I don't get put of by tough challanges because I know that after finishing, it will be worth it.
