Open Source Software Sprints

What is a Sprint?¶

In the context of software development, a sprint is a short, time-boxed period when a team focuses on completing a specific set of objectives. In the open-source world though, the concept of a sprint has been broadened by open source projects and communities to mean a time where the community can come together for some focused work, a lot like a non-competitive hackathon.

Sprints are often organized around other events like conferences, to take advantage of the fact that people are available at the same time, and maybe even in the same place, which is not always the case for open source projects where much happens asynchronously.

For that reason, sprints can be a great time both for existing contributors to work together and for people who want to get involved in a project for the first time to get started more easily when there are other people around.

Sprints at Transform 2020¶

The hackathon component of this year’s events is left completely open to sprints. It’s also quite informal this year, and people have the space to connect and work on things where and when they can. Like last year, the hackathon can be a starting place for activity that goes on beyond the event itself.

What could I do at a sprint?¶

To quote Matt Hall:

…the idea is simply to make contributions to open source projects. This might be a fixed typo, a bug fix, a tutorial, an enhancement request, or anything you like. It might take 5 minutes, or it might take 50, or 500 -- the point is to contribute in any way you can.

Which projects?¶

Whichever projects you like! and anything that earth scientists use is in scope. We have a list of suggested places to start:

• fatiando - https://github.com/fatiando
• simpeg - https://github.com/simpeg
• gempy - https://github.com/cgre-aachen/gempy
• devito - https://github.com/devitocodes
• pygimli - https://www.pygimli.org/
• pylops - https://github.com/PyLops
• pyvista - https://github.com/pyvista
• segysak - https://github.com/trhallam/segysak
• lasio - https://github.com/kinverarity1/lasio
• welly - https://github.com/agilescientific/welly
• striplog - https://github.com/agilescientific/striplog
• bruges - https://github.com/agilescientific/bruges

Where is it happening?¶

To find out where things are happening at any point, come along to slack. The #t22-general and #t22-sprints channel in particular. Also, check out and hang out in the Chateau (https://swu.ng/chateau) while you are sprinting - that is a great way to connect with people and find places to work etc…

In addition, there are a few specific welcome sessions both for the sprints and the conference in general on Friday.

• Welcome to the Sprints - 8:00 UTC Friday 22 Apr
• Welcome to the Sprints - 20:00 UTC Friday 22 Apr

If you're not sure what to do, just come along and we'll help you find something.