Frequently Asked GSoC Questions

§ How do I apply for project X?

In order to apply for a project you need to submit an application for Jitsi via the Google Summer of Code site. That’s the official and only means of making sure you will be considered. If you have any questions then you should direct them at one of the following lists:

gsoc@jitsi.java.net - for GSoC related technicalities
dev@jitsi.dev.java.net- for specific technical questions

Make sure, however, that all information that matters goes into your application on the GSoC site. This way all our mentors have an easy access to your thoughts and posts while evaluating your application. Although, we try to keep track of people that post to the mailing lists it is possible for mentors to miss some of your posts there. So once again, make sure you include everything in your online application.

§ I am interested in project X, can I please have more details?

Our idea pages include generic descriptions and specific references related to all project ideas. Most of the things you need to know are already there. Additionally, you could take a look at our webpage at http://www.jitsi.org/. We offer plenty of documentation for getting involved into development. You should also take a look and try to get a feel of the code. Find some points where your implementation will fit in and how it could be done, then include your observations into your web application. You could also include code snippets or pseudo code to illustrate your thoughts and start a discussion.

It is of course absolutely normal, and we actually expect you to have extra questions. If you do, then please state them clearly on our gsoc or dev mailing lists, so that we know how best to help you. In other words, simply asking for more details doesn’t really tell us what is it you need :).

§ Who is the mentor for the X project?

Individual mentors do not get assigned to projects until the very last moment. This happens after we see how many students apply for each of the ideas and how many slots we are allocated from Google. Until then, we would be happy to answer your questions, on our gsoc or dev mailing lists.

You should then definitely post your suggestions on the web once the application period opens, because even if we do try to keep track of all thoughts that you share with us with on the mailing lists, it is possible that some mentors would miss some of them unless they are not in your web application.

§ How much time would I need to dedicate to my project?

Google Summer of Code is a full time project so you probably won’t have time for a second substantial project during the summer. In the web application we will be asking you to tell us how much time you will be able to dedicate to your project. Please, take the time to consider your plans for the summer (are you going to have any exams during that time be for example?) and put an accurate response. We’d appreciate that!