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GSoC All Final Reports
Yatna Verma 2016
Aneke Chimdindu 2014
Google Summer of Code 2016 with Systers was one of the best coding experience I ever had. I learned a lot of things during these 4 months of the program, from using git to writing understandable and maintainable code. This was my first big contribution to any open-source project and the feeling of having done it is awesome. I got to learn, a lot about the open-source culture through this program and will continue contributing actively to the open-source world, even after GSoC 2016 is over.
The aim behind Malaria-app-android is to help PeaceCorps volunteers sustain protective practices against malaria. Earlier, the application just served the function of a medication reminder with a trip planner and Information Hub. Below is the work I did during this GSoC to extend the functionality of the application.
In the first half of GSoC 16,I fixed various bugs associated with the earlier version of the app. I gamified the application by adding a point based reward system . I also added 2 mini games to give users information about malaria in an interactive way. I created a platform which alerts the users when they run short on medicines and also added a feature to order medicines. I created 2 widgets for the application as well.
During the second half, I implemented a mechanism to push user data to the server side by integrating the app with MACC (Mobile Application Control Center) . I also extended the info hub to support images as well. I also added a text to speech conversion feature in the info hub. I added a sharing option for users to share their achievements on social media. I extended the UI of the entire app to support landscape mode as well. During the later weeks, I tested the application on various android versions and screen sizes. I added instrumentation tests and completed the documentation for the app.
- Link to all my commits for Malaria Prevention Application.
- Link to the latest documentation for Malaria Prevention Application
- Link to download the latest .apk of Malaria Prevention Application
- Link to the video reports displaying weekly changes to the app. Reports might be missing for some weeks as some work (like tests, documentation etc ) can't be displayed through video.
- Link to the weekly progress report on the Systers' student profile page
- Since, the application was originally developed using adt and eclipse, hence moving it to gradle with all the features working properly was a bit challenging.
- Some bugs in the previous version of the application were hard to fix.
- Learned how to write understandable and maintainable code.
- Leaned about the open source culture.
- Learned a lot about using version control system and Github
- Exposure to latest technology and coding practises.
- Interacted with a lot of students from across the globe.
Absolutely awesome. Everything, ranging from the learning curve to the exposure, from the feeling of accomplishment to the stipend is simply great.
I am so happy and super excited to have come thus far as a Google Summer of Code 2014 Student. It was a 12 week of learning, coding, skill-acquisition, networking and most importantly getting acquainted and being good at Open Source Programming. 100 pages will not be good enough to narrate my story in this GSoC program with Systers, An Anita Borg Institute.
All stated below is a just a tip of the iceberg of my sail in this sea called Google Summer of Code.
I applied to two different organizations during the application process for students. I found the Systers project very interesting and promising because it is a need, I mean a very serious need in Africa and my country. From my application form
My interest in Syster’s Mission was sparked off by my people (Africa) being in bondage of malaria infections. When I read through the project Ideas, I had to go for the Malaria App because it is a common issue in my country (Nigeria). So I want to be among the contributors who will change this situation and perception
So I wanted to contribute in making sure that this app truly solves a need for the Africans not merely for Systers. I took it as a personal project because I wanted a change. I put in all passion, hard work and sacrifices just to make sure that this project is a reality.
The name of my project is MALARIA PREVENTION APP FOR ANDROID: - This mobile application helps volunteers sustain protective practices against malaria. It is a kinda reminder app that helps Peace Corps Volunteer workers in Malaria endemic countries to always be taking and keep track of their medications so as to not be infected by the Malaria disease.
I can proudly say with great joy that this Malaria App started which started with an idea and concept on paper before I joined Systers is now a completed android application which is a dream come true.
So I have joined an ecosystem who use technology to solve real issues that the world is suffering from through the Google Summer of Code.
This is a video that captures it all
I heard a lot of challenges but I still conquered all. Some of the notable ones are listed here;
My country due to some disagreements between the politicians and Academic Staff Union of Universities, there was a prolonged strike action in the Universities which led to inactivity on my campus for 6 months and made our academic calendar to be affected. GSoC is hosted during the summer when students are on holidays but due to the problem of the strike actions, my University’s calendar was rescheduled and I had to be in school during the summer holidays.
I saw myself working on both my final year and GSoC project simultaneously. I have no regrets for that because it built me more and taught me how to handle multiple tasks in limited time.
Most of the concepts I encountered in building the android app demands learning from scratch Android technologies. I had to learn and implement at a go. My mentors (Chinmayi and Kristin) and Project Manager( Finda) , I salute and respect you all for your immense contribution, support, replies, responses, chat and Google Doc iterations we had a lot of times, just to make sure that the app was a success. You all now mean a lot to me. :)
Though at the initial time, I taught I won’t beat all deadlines set by Systers to accomplish weekly milestones but I later noticed that it made me more productive, made me to learn quicker and think better on the best possible solutions since weekly deadlines has to be met. It was a challenge that made me better, therefore I can now say that “Under pressure that I will survive”.
Internet connectivity has been and remains an issue in developing countries like mine (Nigeria). This made GSoC hangout demo a very big challenge, I can remember times that I had to come out under the rain, at nights, miss my campus meetings just to attend GSoC demo with my organization. I did all these due to the passion and burning desire to know more and make an impact in this world. I saw the project as my own, not Systers, so I put in every bit of my energy and strength just to make sure it comes to reality.
Even times when I miss the hangout demo, I made sure I prepare a video equivalent so that they can play it along even in my absence. It was good memories dear.. lol
Oh! I can say many things, I mean a lot of stuffs;
Before GSoC I feared and never tried open source projects but now I can manipulate and teach fellow students how this tools work and even work in any industry that utilizes it.
- Learnt a lot about real life software development skills.
- My mentors and project manager were great guides; they acted like mothers and people willing and eager to do anything just for this young man to be the best he can be in life.Actually, they are now part of my life time friends and network.
- Wow!!! I learnt how to collaborate and share tasks. My team partner (Shruti) working on iOS equivalent to my project is also awesome in her own unique way. We communicated, shared ideas, discussed always not just about GSoC but life in general. Indeed, it was a great experience.
- To Crown it all; I will be visiting Mountain View for the first time this October for the Google Summer of Code Reunion as a GSoC Student. An opportunity that can change my life for a lifetime.
I can say that my overall experience was “The Best of Its Kind”
GSoC really changed my Dev life as a student. I got to learn a lot about Google Android Technologies. Infact, the GSoC experience was a “Unique” one that student developers won’t get anywhere especially in terms of Open Source Programming, code sharing and collaboration and also organizational management and support. All these ingredients are now in my dev tool box.
Thanks to Google Summer of Code!!!!!!
I salute all that made this summer of code a success from the Systers Org, RoWill forever be grateful to my great mentors Chinmayi and Kristin for they were my last resort at almost all times. Finda became more like a mother to me... It was as if I was her first child, she gave me all advice necessary which extended beyond GSoC, her management skills I admire also. Will I forget our able and ever ready Rose who made sure that we all did an excellent work. I am indeed indebted to you all. Hope to see someday.
In summary I Can't WAIT to train new GSoCers as a Mentor next year!!!!!!
- Link to GitHub page and to Systers project repo page.
- Link to Syster's Wiki Page
- Link to my personal pages