Difference between revisions of "Ideas Page"

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== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
−
This is an ideas page for new developers.
+
This is our ideas page for new developers who want to participate in the Google Summer of Code event by contributing to KolibriOS. It also contains a description of the process and requirements to participate.<br>
 +
A general information about Google Summer of Code can be found here: [https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/ Google Summer of Code]
  
 +
== Google Summer of Code'24 Contributor Requirements ==
 +
Prospective contributors are required to register [https://board.kolibrios.org on our developers forum] and submit a small bugfix / improvement [[Get_source_code|to our SVN or GIT]] in order for their application to be considered. Examples of such tasks can be obtained by asking on the developers forum or on our IRC channel (#kolibrios @ irc.libera.chat). This requirement is only to show us that you are able to work with [[Get_source_code|our SVN or GIT]] and interact with our developers if you are selected.<br>
 +
'''This task has to be completed before contributor application deadline (2 April 18:00 UTC).'''
 +
<p>
 +
In addition, contributors need to answer the following questions when applying:
 +
# Full Name (First + Last Name).
 +
# E-mail address.
 +
# Nickname you plan to use on our forums, SVN/GIT repository or IRC chat.
 +
# Age.
 +
# Country + city of residence (Russia and Belarus residence are not allowed according to GSoC terms)
 +
# Human languages you speak (write all languages and knowledge level - basic/intermediate/expert/mother tongue).
 +
# Name of college or university you are accepted into or enrolled in + link to their website (if applicable).
 +
# Name of program (or faculty, or department) in that college/university you are accepted into or enrolled in (if applicable).
 +
# Your current timezone in UTC/GMT terms (for example, Paris is UTC/GMT +1 hours right now).
 +
# Have you been involved with any open-source project in the past? If yes, which one, and what have you done for that project?
 +
# Code samples - please provide links to code that you have written. It can be your high school project, contribution to open-source organization, your college/university task or anything like that.
 +
# The task you are willing to work on from our list of Summer of Code 2024 ideas (or suggest your own idea, if you don't like any of the proposed ideas).
 +
# What other time commitments, such as school work, another job, planned vacation, etc., will you have between May 27 and August 26?
 +
</p>
 +
 +
== Organization ==
 +
 +
You can find the organizers at our forum: https://board.kolibrios.org
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|'''Name'''
 +
|'''Nickname'''
 +
|'''Role'''
 +
|-
 +
|Ivan Baravy
 +
|[[User:dunkaist|dunkaist]]
 +
|Administrator, Mentor
 +
|-
 +
|Jeffrey Amelynck
 +
|[[User:Hidnplayr|hidnplayr]]
 +
|Mentor, Backup Administrator
 +
|-
 +
|Dmitriy Smirnov
 +
|Pathoswithin
 +
|Mentor
 +
|-
 +
|Serhii Sakhno
 +
|[[User:Punk_Joker|Punk_Joker]]
 +
|Mentor
 +
|-
 +
|Kiril Lipatov
 +
|[[User:Leency|Leency]]
 +
|C-- Mentor
 +
|-
 +
|Konstantin Pakhtusov
 +
|[[User:KPG|KPG]]
 +
|Mentor (Forth)
 +
|}
  
 
== Ideas ==
 
== Ideas ==
Line 11: Line 65:
 
disk usage utility
 
disk usage utility
 
libsort
 
libsort
−
 
+
Haiku vector icon format
 
-->
 
-->
 
=== Sortable list of ideas for easy navigation ===
 
=== Sortable list of ideas for easy navigation ===
Line 19: Line 73:
 
! Area
 
! Area
 
! Programming Language
 
! Programming Language
 +
! Mentors
 +
|-
 +
| [[#OpenBios_in_Loader|OpenBios in Loader]]
 +
| Kernel/Application
 +
| Forth, FASM (Assembler), C
 +
| KPG
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[#File_system|File system]]
+
| [[#File_system improvement|File system improvement]]
−
| Kernel
+
| Kernel/Application
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 +
| Pathoswithin
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[#Widget_toolkit|Widget toolkit]]
 
| [[#Widget_toolkit|Widget toolkit]]
 
| System wide
 
| System wide
 
| FASM (Assembler), C
 
| FASM (Assembler), C
 +
| dunkaist
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[#Port_PolarSSL|Port PolarSSL]]
+
| [[#Finish Mbed TLS port|Finish Mbed TLS port]]
 
| Library
 
| Library
−
| C/FASM
+
| C, FASM (Assembler)
 +
| Punk_Joker
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[#XMPP.2FJabber_client|XMPP/Jabber client]]
+
| [[#Port_FLTK|Port FLTK]]
−
| Application
+
| Library
−
| Assembler/FASM
+
| C++
 +
| Punk_Joker
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[#Fasmg_port|Fasmg port]]
+
| [[#FASMG port|FASMG port]]
 
| Application
 
| Application
 
| FASM/FASMG (Assembler)
 
| FASM/FASMG (Assembler)
 +
| dunkaist
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[#Unicode_library|Unicode library]]
 
| [[#Unicode_library|Unicode library]]
 
| Library/Application
 
| Library/Application
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 
| FASM (Assembler)
−
|-
+
| dunkaist
−
| [[#Document_viewer|Document viewer]]
 
−
| Library/Application
 
−
| FASM (Assembler)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[#Virt-IO_driver|Virt-IO driver]]
 
| [[#Virt-IO_driver|Virt-IO driver]]
 
| Kernel
 
| Kernel
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 +
| dunkaist
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[#Loop_device_driver|Loop device driver]]
 
| [[#Loop_device_driver|Loop device driver]]
 
| Kernel
 
| Kernel
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 +
| dunkaist
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[#GIMP_plugin_for_skins|GIMP plugin for skins]]
+
| [[#NVMe_driver|NVMe driver]]
−
| Application
+
| Kernel
−
| C/Python/Scheme
+
| FASM (Assembler)
 +
| Punk_Joker
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[#RSS/Atom_news_reader|RSS/Atom news reader]]
 
| [[#RSS/Atom_news_reader|RSS/Atom news reader]]
 
| Application
 
| Application
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 
| FASM (Assembler)
 +
| dunkaist
 +
|-
 +
| [[#SDL2 Port|SDL2 Port]]
 +
| Library
 +
| C
 +
| dunkaist
 +
|-
 +
| [[#Add HTML forms to WebView|Add HTML forms to WebView]]
 +
| Application
 +
| C--
 +
| Leency
 +
|-
 +
| [[#J2ME Emulator|J2ME Emulator]]
 +
| Application
 +
| C, Java
 +
| dunkaist
 +
|-
 +
| [[#Rust library development for KolibriOS|Rust library development for KolibriOS]]
 +
| Library
 +
| Rust, FASM (Assembler)
 +
| dunkaist
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
=== File system ===
+
=== OpenBios in Loader ===
−
* Primary goal: Add write support for ext4 file system (ext4 reading and ext2 writing are already supported).
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Additional goal: Improve write support for NTFS file system.
+
OpenBIOS is a free, portable implementation of [https://archive.org/details/ieee_std_1275_1994_standard_for_boot_initialization_configur IEEE 1275-1994 (Open Firmware)]. [http://www.openbios.org/ Find detailed information about OpenBIOS] OpenBIOS can replace your system firmware (BIOS) partly or completely. It can also be used as a bootloader to create an Open Firmware compatible interface between legacy firmware and an operating system. This is achieved by a modular concept that consists of a portable Forth kernel and three interfaces for user interaction, device initialization and client (operating system) control in command line like shell in Linux.
−
* Language: FASM (Assembler)
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Links: [https://ext4.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Ext4_Disk_Layout Ext4 Disk Layout]
+
OpenBios implentation Fcode [https://www.openbios.org/Forth/FCode] has small bytecode, is hardware independent and efficient. And an evaluator (bytecode virtual machine) is almost trivial to implement or/and with possible an uses JIT technology. So it is great way to implement a unified and functional bootloader for KolibriOS.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Add OpenBios ("Forth") support to the system bootloader.
 +
** Additional: Create simple interactive more device drivers.
 +
* Language: '''Forth, Assembler/FASM, C'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Hard''', you need to be familiar with how BOIS systems and OS loaders work in general.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:
 +
** [https://github.com/openbios OpenBios Firmware on GitHub]
  
−
=== Widget toolkit ===
+
=== File system improvement ===
−
* Primary goal: Extend Box_lib (a set of separate widgets) to create a full-featured widget toolkit, design architecture and implement focus handling, callbacks and other core ideas.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Additional goal: Integrate created box_lib widgets to the C-framework, extend framework with font handling, layout manager
+
KolibriOS has already implemented support for many file systems, both write and read, but at the same time support for some systems leaves a lot to be desired and opens up a vast scope for work.
−
* Language: FASM (Assembler), C (framework)
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Links: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widget_toolkit basic idea], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_widget_toolkits list of toolkits]
+
Support for more file systems, particularly write support, will greatly expand the functionality of KolibriOS, especially when working with files on third-party drives.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Add write support for ext4 file system (ext4 reading and ext2 writing are already supported).
 +
** Additional: Improve write support for NTFS file system.
 +
* Language: '''Assembler/FASM'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with how file systems work in general, and writing drivers.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:  
 +
** [https://ext4.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Ext4_Disk_Layout Ext4 Disk Layout]
 +
** [https://dubeyko.com/development/FileSystems/NTFS/ntfsdoc.pdf NTFS documentation]
 +
** [https://wiki.kolibrios.org/wiki/Development#Driver_development Driver development for KolibriOS]
  
−
=== Port PolarSSL ===
+
=== Widget toolkit expansion ===
−
* Primary goal: Make a working port of PolarSSL (as native KolibriOS MS COFF library) and add it to the automatic build-system.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Additional goal: Update HTTP library (written in FASM) to support HTTPS.
+
At the moment KolibriOS has its own library (box_lib) for implementing various GUI widgets (input fields, checkboxes, scrolls, etc.). However, its functionality is far from complete, and its extension would be very useful for further application development.
−
* Language: C/FASM
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Links: [http://board.kolibrios.org/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=2460 Forum thread about polarSSL], [http://websvn.kolibrios.org/listing.php?repname=Kolibri+OS&path=%2Fprograms%2Fdevelop%2Flibraries%2Fhttp%2F&#a12c8a35f2062865521028a57a419b4e8 HTTP library on WebSVN]
+
Extended functionality of the library would help developers in the future to create applications with more complex interface, spending less effort on it, as well as to unify interface components in existing applications.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Extend box_lib (a set of separate widgets) to create a full-featured widget toolkit, design it's architecture and implement focus handling, callbacks and other core ideas.
 +
** Additional: Integrate created box_lib widgets to the C-framework, extend framework with font handling, layout manager
 +
* Language: '''Assembler/FASM, C''' (Framework).
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with library development and FASM Assembler.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:  
 +
** [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widget_toolkit Baic idea]
 +
** [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_widget_toolkits List of toolkits]
 +
** [http://websvn.kolibrios.org/listing.php?repname=Kolibri+OS&path=%2Fprograms%2Fdevelop%2Flibraries%2Fbox_lib%2F&rev=9640&peg=9640 box_lib source code on KolibriOS WebSVN]
 +
** [https://github.com/KolibriOS/kolibrios/tree/main/programs/develop/libraries/box_lib box_lib source code on KolibriOS GitHub]
  
−
=== XMPP/Jabber client ===
+
=== Finish Mbed TLS port ===
−
* Primary goal: Write a basic XMPP/Jabber library and client for KolibriOS.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Additional goal: Implement some xmpp extentions.
+
Mbed TLS is an implementation of the TLS and SSL protocols and associated cryptographic algorithms and support code that aims to be "easy to understand, use, integrate and extend".
−
* Language: Assembler/FASM
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Links: [http://xmpp.org/xmpp-protocols/rfcs/ XMPP spec], [http://xmpp.org/xmpp-protocols/xmpp-extensions/ XMPP extentions], [http://board.kolibrios.org/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=3111&p=62432#p62433 Unfinished XMPP client for KolibriOS]
+
The implementation of MbedTLS support will significantly expand the capabilities of the KolibriOS networking stack and allow it to be used in more networking scenarios, for example, HTTPS support.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Finish MbedTLS port (headers for FASM, get ceritificates working) ([https://board.kolibrios.org/viewtopic.php?p=76983#p76983 TODOs]).
 +
** Additional: Update HTTP library (written in FASM) to support HTTPS by using mbedtls.obj.
 +
* Language: '''C, Assembler/FASM'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with library porting.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:
 +
** [https://board.kolibrios.org/viewtopic.php?p=76983 Mbed TLS port thread on KolibriOS forum]
 +
** [https://github.com/Mbed-TLS/mbedtls Mbed TLS source code on GitHub]
  
−
=== Fasmg port ===
+
=== FLTK Port ===
−
Tomasz Grysztar (creator of FASM) [https://flatassembler.net/docs.php?article=fasmg introduced] FASMG, a new assembler engine. It would be nice to support its new syntax in KolibriOS.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Primary goal: Write FASMG application like FASM one. Port standard KolibriOS macros to FASMG syntax.
+
FLTK, or Fast Light Toolkit, is a cross-platform GUI toolkit. It is designed to provide modern GUI functionality without overkill and supports 3D graphics via OpenGL and native GLUT emulation.
−
* Additional goal: Implement macros for compatibility with FASM.
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Language: Assembler/FASM/FASMG
+
FLTK provides a wide and convenient enough choice of plugins to implement a complex GUI, and is also cross-platform, and therefore its support in KolibriOS will make it easier to write applications. Also, compared to other UI libraries, FLTK uses a lighter design and is limited to GUI functionality.
−
* Links: [https://flatassembler.net/docs.php?article=fasmg FASMG overview], [https://flatassembler.net/docs.php?article=fasmg_manual FASMG manual]
+
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Make a working port of FLTK widget library and add it to the automatic build system.
 +
** Additional: Port Scintilla source code editing component (minimum working version).
 +
* Language: '''C++, C--, Assembler/FASM'''
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with library porting.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:
 +
** [https://www.fltk.org/ FLTK official site]
 +
** [https://www.scintilla.org/ScintillaDoc.html Scitnilla official documentation]
 +
 
 +
=== FASMG port ===
 +
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
 +
In 2018 Tomasz Gryshtar (creator of FASM) introduced FASMG, a new assembler engine with more advanced features for simplified writing of complex code. It is quite a powerful and useful tool, and so it would be nice to support its new syntax in KolibriOS.
 +
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
 +
The kernel, drivers and many programs in KolibriOS are written exactly in FASM Assembler, and porting FASMG would make life easier for developers who work on improving the OS functionality.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Write FASMG application like FASM one. Port standard KolibriOS macros to FASMG syntax.
 +
** Additional: Implement macros for compatibility with FASM.
 +
* Language: '''Assembler/FASM/FASMG'''
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with FASM Assembly language.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:  
 +
** [https://flatassembler.net/docs.php?article=fasmg FASMG overview],  
 +
** [https://flatassembler.net/docs.php?article=fasmg_manual FASMG manual]
  
 
=== Unicode library ===
 
=== Unicode library ===
−
Unicode is a huge and sophisticated standard. Nevertheless modern OS should provide libraries with Unicode related routines like NFC, NFD, sorting, comparing, etc.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Primary goal: Write a tiny Unicode library with core Unicode algorithms and example application.
+
Unicode is a character encoding standard that includes characters from almost all written languages of the world. The standard is currently prevalent on the Internet and is also frequently used in modern operating systems. The main advantage of Unicode is that it supports a huge number of characters, which allows it to be used for encoding and storing almost any textual information.
−
* Additional goal: Upgrade existing applications to use the new library.
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Language: Assembler/FASM
+
Unicode is a large and complex standard, nevertheless, modern OS should provide libraries with Unicode related routines like NFC, NFD, sorting, comparing, etc. Support for this standard in KolibriOS would greatly increase its compatibility with various data sources, and make new application scenarios available.
−
* Links: [http://git.suckless.org/libutf/ libutf]
+
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Write a tiny Unicode library with core Unicode algorithms and example application.
 +
** Additional: Update existing applications to use the new library.
 +
* Language: '''Assembler/FASM'''
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with writing libraries and FASM Assembler language.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:  
 +
** [https://unicode.org/standard/standard.html Official Unicode documentation]
 +
** [https://git.suckless.org/sbase/files.html Some example of Unicode library (libutf folder)]
  
−
=== Document viewer ===
+
=== VirtIO driver ===
−
Document viewer is a vital part of any desktop operating system. Text, config and source code files can be viewed by existing text editors, however binary documents viewer is still required.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Primary goal: Design API for a document viewer extendable with plugins, implement it as a KolibriOS application.
+
VirtIO is a virtualization standard for network and disk device drivers where just the guest's device driver "knows" it is running in a virtual environment, and cooperates with the hypervisor. This enables guests to get high performance network and disk operations, and gives most of the performance benefits of paravirtualization.
−
* Additional goal: Write some plugins like PDF or DJVU.
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Language: Assembler/FASM
+
Because there is no easy way to automatically install KolibriOS on a hard disk, it is often used specifically in a virtualized environment, and therefore improving support and device performance in this situation would be extremely beneficial to it.
−
* Links: [https://pwmt.org/projects/zathura/plugins/development/ Zathura plugin system]
+
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
−
 
+
* Goals:
−
=== Virt-IO driver ===
+
** Primary: Write kernel driver for any VirtIO device, for example - Ethernet card.
−
Virtio is a virtualization standard for network and disk device drivers where just the guest's device driver "knows" it is running in a virtual environment, and cooperates with the hypervisor. This enables guests to get high performance network and disk operations, and gives most of the performance benefits of paravirtualization.  
+
** Additional: Also write drivers for any another VirtIO devices.
−
* Primary goal: Write kernel driver for, say, virt-io Ethernet card.
+
* Language: '''Assembler/FASM'''
−
* Additional goal: Write more drivers.
+
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with writing drivers and FASM Assembly language.
−
* Language: Assembler/FASM
+
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
−
* Links: [https://wiki.libvirt.org/page/Virtio Virt-IO wiki]
+
* Links:  
 +
** [https://wiki.libvirt.org/page/Virtio Virt-IO wiki]
 +
** [https://wiki.kolibrios.org/wiki/Development#Driver_development Driver development for KolibriOS]
  
 
=== Loop device driver ===
 
=== Loop device driver ===
−
* Primary goal: Write loop device driver and example application to manage loop devices.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Additional goal: Prepare a set of disk images to be used in filesystem unit tests.
+
Loop device, vnd (vnode disk), or lofi (loop file interface) is a pseudo-device that makes a computer file accessible as a block device. After mounting a file that holds a file system, the files in that system can be accessed through the usual file system interface of the operating system, without any need for special functionality, such as reading and writing to ISO images, in applications.
−
* Language: Assembler/FASM
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Links: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loop_device loop device overview]
+
Loop device drivers allow for mounting a file that holds a file system, making the files within that file system accessible. It also provides a block device on top of a file (or another block device, optionally with remapping). Lastly, if the file contains an encrypted file system, the loop device can be the decrypted version of the original encrypted file and can therefore be mounted as if it were a normal file system.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Write loop device driver and example application to manage loop devices.
 +
** Additional: Prepare a set of disk images to be used in filesystem unit tests.
 +
* Language: '''Assembler/FASM'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with writing drivers and FASM Assembly language.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:
 +
** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loop_device Loop device overview]
 +
** [https://wiki.kolibrios.org/wiki/Development#Driver_development Driver development for KolibriOS]
  
−
=== GIMP plugin for skins ===
+
=== NVMe driver ===
−
KolibriOS skins are currently written in FASM. It is inconvenient to design them as there is no realtime preview and all skin images are edited separately.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Primary goal: Write a GIMP plugin to open/save KolibriOS skins.
+
NVM Express (NVMe) is a specification of protocols for accessing solid-state drives (SSDs) connected by the PCI Express bus. The first specification appeared in 2014 and since then this standard has been widely used, in particular, for SSDs in desktop and mobile devices.
−
* Additional goal: Create more skins.
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Language: C/Python/Scheme
+
In recent years, the use of NVMe drives has become increasingly popular in personal computers, and the implementation of their support is very important in terms of compatibility and the ability to work with data in KolibriOS.
−
* Links: [https://developer.gimp.org/writing-a-plug-in/1/ How to write a GIMP plugin]
+
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Write basic NVMe device driver to support NVMe SSD.
 +
** Additional: Add support of namespaces.
 +
* Languages: '''Assembly/FASM'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Hard''', you need to be familiar with writing drivers and FASM Assembly language.
 +
* Time/Size: '''350 hours'''.
 +
* Links:  
 +
** [https://nvmexpress.org/developers/nvme-specification/ NVMe Base Specification]
 +
** [https://wiki.kolibrios.org/wiki/Development#Driver_development Driver development for KolibriOS]
  
 
=== RSS/Atom news reader ===
 
=== RSS/Atom news reader ===
−
RSS and Atom are standards for web feeds. They are XML based and easily processed via AsmXml library. Corresponding user application would be a big plus to usability of KolibriOS.
+
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
−
* Primary goal: Write RSS news reader as a standalone KolibriOS application.
+
RSS and Atom are web feeds that allow users and applications to access updates of websites in a standardized, computer-readable format. For the average user, it can be used primarily as a news/update feed, where the user can subscribe to channels of interest and receive news or other updates from different sources in one place. They are based on XML and can easily be processed using AsmXml library. User application for reading RSS/Atom feeds would be a good addition to usability of KolibriOS, as it will allow users to read news feeds from different sources without need to manually open news websites.
−
* Additional goal: Add Atom support to the app.
+
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
−
* Language: Assembler/FASM
+
RSS/Atom feed can be a great addition to the KolibriOS functionality, as it allows users to conveniently receive updates from different sources, including even on very weak devices, where opening the source of interest in the browser is impossible or problematic.
−
* Links: [http://tibleiz.net/asm-xml/ AsmXml library], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS RSS], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom_(standard) Atom]
+
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Write RSS news reader as a standalone KolibriOS application.
 +
** Additional: Also add Atom standart support to the app.
 +
* Language: Any, but '''Assembly/FASM''' is preffarable.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Easy''', you need to be familiar with XML processing and HTTP requests, as well as general app development for KolibriOS.
 +
* Time/Size: '''90 hours'''.
 +
* Links:  
 +
** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS RSS on Wikipedia]
 +
** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom_(web_standard) Atom on Wikipedia]
 +
** [https://github.com/AboutRSS/ALL-about-RSS Big amont of information and implementation examples]
 +
** [https://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification RSS specification]
 +
** [https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4287.txt Atom specification]
 +
** [http://tibleiz.net/asm-xml/ AsmXml library]
 +
 
 +
=== SDL2 Port ===
 +
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
 +
SDL is a free cross-platform multimedia library that implements an interface to graphics, sound and input devices. This library is actively used when writing cross-platform graphical applications (mostly games). The previous version of the library, SDL 1.2, is already ported for KolibriOS, but there is no SDL 2 port, which is the most up-to-date and supported version.
 +
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
 +
Having support for SDL 2 in KolibriOS will not only allow developers to develop new applications using the updated functionality of the library, but also to port a huge number of existing open source programs (mostly emulators and games) from other platforms, because SDL 2 is often used to implement frontend/graphics in such applications.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Make a working port of SDL2.
 +
** Additional: Port additional SDL2 libraries: SDL2_image, SDL2_mixer, SDL2_ttf, etc.
 +
** Extra: Also port SDL 1.2 comatiblity layer to run old apps on new version of library.
 +
* Languages: '''C'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with general library porting and library development for KolibriOS.
 +
* Time/Size: '''175 hours'''.
 +
* Links:
 +
** [https://www.libsdl.org/ SDL Library official website]
 +
** [https://github.com/libsdl-org/SDL-1.2 SDL 1.2 source code]
 +
** [https://github.com/KolibriOS/kolibrios/tree/main/contrib/sdk/sources/SDL-1.2.2_newlib Source code of current implementation of SDL in KolibriOS]
 +
 
 +
=== Add HTML forms support to WebView ===
 +
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
 +
Despite supporting many basic HTML features, the WebView browser does not currently support HTML forms (<form>, <input>, etc.). This makes its use extremely limited and prevents it from utilizing the functionality of many popular sites. Therefore, it would be great to implement this functionality in WebView.
 +
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
 +
Because of the lack of form support, WebView can't even use search engines directly (currently only indirect use of Google in the address bar is possible). This alone would be a great addition to its capabilities and would make its use much more convenient and intuitive. In addition, forms could also be used on sites like online libraries or forums, thus giving KolibriOS users a more complete access to the Internet.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Add support for <form>, <input> tags for types that was prior to HTML5.
 +
** Additional: Add input types that was introduced in HTML5.
 +
* Language: '''C--'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Easy''', you need to be familiar with HTML parsing and web requests.
 +
* Time/Size: '''90 hours'''.
 +
* Links:
 +
** [https://html.spec.whatwg.org/multipage/forms.html HTML forms specification]
 +
** [http://websvn.kolibrios.org/listing.php?repname=Kolibri+OS&path=%2Fprograms%2Fcmm%2Fbrowser%2F WebView source code on SVN]
 +
** [https://github.com/KolibriOS/kolibrios/tree/main/programs/cmm/browser WebView source code on GitHub]
 +
 
 +
=== J2ME Emulator ===
 +
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
 +
J2ME (Java Platform, Micro Edition) is a version of the Java platform for devices with limited resources, such as cell phones, pocket computers, etc. It was especially popular in the 00s, when most mobile phones ran on it. Accordingly, a large number of software for this platform was created at that time, and it would be quite nice to have its support in KolibriOS.
 +
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
 +
There are already quite a lot of emulators for various retro platforms, which makes it possible to use it, including for retro gaming. Therefore, support for another popular platform will certainly not hurt, especially since in addition to a lot of great games for J2ME also released other programs that can be useful.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Port JVM and java.microedition.* runtime.
 +
** Additional: Make it run most of popular J2ME games.
 +
* Languages: '''C''', '''Java'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Hard''', you need to be familiar with emulators porting and Java Runtime Enviroment.
 +
* Time/Size: '''350 hours'''.
 +
* Links:
 +
** [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javameoverview.html J2ME official website]
 +
** [https://nikita36078.github.io/J2ME_Docs/ Non-official J2ME documentation]
 +
** [https://github.com/digitalgust/miniJVM miniJVM - open-source Java virtual machine implementation]
 +
** [https://github.com/KolibriOS/kolibrios/tree/main/programs/emulator Source code of other emulators in KolibriOS on GitHub, as possible referece]
 +
 
 +
=== Rust library development for KolibriOS ===
 +
<p>'''General Description'''</p>
 +
At the moment, the Rust library for KolibriOS is in the early stages of development - it doesn't support all system functions, and it doesn't know how to work with system libraries. You can do a great thing, and help in the design and development of this library!
 +
<p>'''What it gives us'''</p>
 +
Rust is a modern programming language that has been actively gaining popularity in recent years, and the number of its users is growing. In addition, it is positioned as fast and compact, which fits perfectly with the KolibriOS ideology. Therefore, it would be very good to have its support as another tool for potential developers.
 +
<p>'''Other information'''</p>
 +
* Goals:
 +
** Primary: Implement other system functions support. Make wrappers for DLL's.
 +
* Languages: '''Rust''', '''Assembly/FASM (optional)'''.
 +
* Difficulty: '''Intermediate''', you need to be familiar with Rust development.
 +
* Time/Size: '''350 hours'''.
 +
* Links:
 +
** [http://wiki.kolibrios.org/wiki/Ru/api/kernel KolibriOS kernel API (ru)] or [https://git.kolibrios.org/KolibriOS/kolibrios/src/branch/main/kernel/trunk/docs/sysfuncs.txt sysfuncs.txt]
 +
** [http://wiki.kolibrios.org/wiki/Library/ru KolibriOS libraries (ru)]
 +
* Working repository:
 +
** [https://git.kolibrios.org/Rust/Core Git]
 +
 
  
 
[[Category:Misc]]
 
[[Category:Misc]]
  
−
Most importantly...Have Fun!
+
== Rough Guide for Prospective Contributors ==
 +
 
 +
* As the kernel is written in FASM, ability to write and understand i386-assembly code is very useful.
 +
* C is also a plus as some applications/libraries and components are written in C. Also, C is useful to interface with assembly at times.
 +
* Familiarity with the GNU landscape like Autotools, GCC etc are also a plus to have (especially for porting software)
 +
* The desire to take challenging problems and solve them is also required as several parts of the code base require thought for design and implementation. (The mentors can help you with that :) )
 +
* Hanging out on LiberaChat's #kolibriOS and [https://board.kolibrios.org our forum] where developers mostly hang out.
 +
* Languages used for communication are English and Russian (although most developers are bilingual, and you can always ask someone for help)
 +
* Get in touch with other developers via IRC / Forums and enjoy your stay!
 +
 
 +
== I'm a potential GSoC contributor. I'm scared of all the assembly and docs here! Where should I start?! :'( ==
 +
Start here : http://wiki.kolibrios.org/wiki/HowTo
 +
This will help you set up KolibriOS. Easiest will be to use either Qemu or VirtualBox as most developers use it and thus will be able to help you with eventual problems. Feel free however to try something else and let us know how it goes!
 +
 
 +
== I'm a potential GSoC contributor. What is this test task?! ==
 +
Regarding the test mentioned above, it is for assessing your current skill set and their relevance regarding the project that you want to eventually work on. In most cases, your potential mentor will assign you a task via IRC / Forum but another developer can do this as well. Meanwhile, In case you are waiting for a test task, you can go through our [http://bugs.kolibrios.org bug tracker] and find a small task to work on yourself, or learn about KolibriOS by going through example code.
 +
 
 +
== I want to play with the code but my college blocks SVN ==
 +
If you are have trouble accessing, please do mention it on the forums.
 +
You can temporarily use this backup git repository:
 +
* http://repo.or.cz/w/kolibrios.git
 +
Or our official GitHub mirror:
 +
* https://github.com/KolibriOS/kolibrios
 +
 
 +
== All the ideas seem interesting, But... ==
 +
Feel free to suggest your own idea! This is encouraged largely both in GSoC and KolibriOS. The mentors will be glad to such an idea and assess it's feasibility/usability for KolibriOS.
 +
 
 +
== Great Guide! But I still don't understand X ==
 +
Please read Documentation / Development pages on this Wiki. If you have any doubts, feel free to connect with other KolibriOS users and developers through Forum Chat or #kolibrios on LiberaChat.<br>
 +
Please ask developers / mentors on Forum Chat or IRC. Please be patient on IRC and Forum as developers are on different time zones and it might take a few hours to get back to you. You can also start a Forum thread if it is about something you feel is a general issue.
 +
 
 +
And most importantly... Have Fun!

Latest revision as of 13:29, 30 March 2024

Introduction

This is our ideas page for new developers who want to participate in the Google Summer of Code event by contributing to KolibriOS. It also contains a description of the process and requirements to participate.
A general information about Google Summer of Code can be found here: Google Summer of Code

Google Summer of Code'24 Contributor Requirements

Prospective contributors are required to register on our developers forum and submit a small bugfix / improvement to our SVN or GIT in order for their application to be considered. Examples of such tasks can be obtained by asking on the developers forum or on our IRC channel (#kolibrios @ irc.libera.chat). This requirement is only to show us that you are able to work with our SVN or GIT and interact with our developers if you are selected.
This task has to be completed before contributor application deadline (2 April 18:00 UTC).

In addition, contributors need to answer the following questions when applying:

  1. Full Name (First + Last Name).
  2. E-mail address.
  3. Nickname you plan to use on our forums, SVN/GIT repository or IRC chat.
  4. Age.
  5. Country + city of residence (Russia and Belarus residence are not allowed according to GSoC terms)
  6. Human languages you speak (write all languages and knowledge level - basic/intermediate/expert/mother tongue).
  7. Name of college or university you are accepted into or enrolled in + link to their website (if applicable).
  8. Name of program (or faculty, or department) in that college/university you are accepted into or enrolled in (if applicable).
  9. Your current timezone in UTC/GMT terms (for example, Paris is UTC/GMT +1 hours right now).
  10. Have you been involved with any open-source project in the past? If yes, which one, and what have you done for that project?
  11. Code samples - please provide links to code that you have written. It can be your high school project, contribution to open-source organization, your college/university task or anything like that.
  12. The task you are willing to work on from our list of Summer of Code 2024 ideas (or suggest your own idea, if you don't like any of the proposed ideas).
  13. What other time commitments, such as school work, another job, planned vacation, etc., will you have between May 27 and August 26?

Organization

You can find the organizers at our forum: https://board.kolibrios.org

Name Nickname Role
Ivan Baravy dunkaist Administrator, Mentor
Jeffrey Amelynck hidnplayr Mentor, Backup Administrator
Dmitriy Smirnov Pathoswithin Mentor
Serhii Sakhno Punk_Joker Mentor
Kiril Lipatov Leency C-- Mentor
Konstantin Pakhtusov KPG Mentor (Forth)

Ideas

Sortable list of ideas for easy navigation

Idea Name Area Programming Language Mentors
OpenBios in Loader Kernel/Application Forth, FASM (Assembler), C KPG
File system improvement Kernel/Application FASM (Assembler) Pathoswithin
Widget toolkit System wide FASM (Assembler), C dunkaist
Finish Mbed TLS port Library C, FASM (Assembler) Punk_Joker
Port FLTK Library C++ Punk_Joker
FASMG port Application FASM/FASMG (Assembler) dunkaist
Unicode library Library/Application FASM (Assembler) dunkaist
Virt-IO driver Kernel FASM (Assembler) dunkaist
Loop device driver Kernel FASM (Assembler) dunkaist
NVMe driver Kernel FASM (Assembler) Punk_Joker
RSS/Atom news reader Application FASM (Assembler) dunkaist
SDL2 Port Library C dunkaist
Add HTML forms to WebView Application C-- Leency
J2ME Emulator Application C, Java dunkaist
Rust library development for KolibriOS Library Rust, FASM (Assembler) dunkaist

OpenBios in Loader

General Description

OpenBIOS is a free, portable implementation of IEEE 1275-1994 (Open Firmware). Find detailed information about OpenBIOS OpenBIOS can replace your system firmware (BIOS) partly or completely. It can also be used as a bootloader to create an Open Firmware compatible interface between legacy firmware and an operating system. This is achieved by a modular concept that consists of a portable Forth kernel and three interfaces for user interaction, device initialization and client (operating system) control in command line like shell in Linux.

What it gives us

OpenBios implentation Fcode [1] has small bytecode, is hardware independent and efficient. And an evaluator (bytecode virtual machine) is almost trivial to implement or/and with possible an uses JIT technology. So it is great way to implement a unified and functional bootloader for KolibriOS.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Add OpenBios ("Forth") support to the system bootloader.
    • Additional: Create simple interactive more device drivers.
  • Language: Forth, Assembler/FASM, C.
  • Difficulty: Hard, you need to be familiar with how BOIS systems and OS loaders work in general.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

File system improvement

General Description

KolibriOS has already implemented support for many file systems, both write and read, but at the same time support for some systems leaves a lot to be desired and opens up a vast scope for work.

What it gives us

Support for more file systems, particularly write support, will greatly expand the functionality of KolibriOS, especially when working with files on third-party drives.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Add write support for ext4 file system (ext4 reading and ext2 writing are already supported).
    • Additional: Improve write support for NTFS file system.
  • Language: Assembler/FASM.
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, you need to be familiar with how file systems work in general, and writing drivers.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

Widget toolkit expansion

General Description

At the moment KolibriOS has its own library (box_lib) for implementing various GUI widgets (input fields, checkboxes, scrolls, etc.). However, its functionality is far from complete, and its extension would be very useful for further application development.

What it gives us

Extended functionality of the library would help developers in the future to create applications with more complex interface, spending less effort on it, as well as to unify interface components in existing applications.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Extend box_lib (a set of separate widgets) to create a full-featured widget toolkit, design it's architecture and implement focus handling, callbacks and other core ideas.
    • Additional: Integrate created box_lib widgets to the C-framework, extend framework with font handling, layout manager
  • Language: Assembler/FASM, C (Framework).
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, you need to be familiar with library development and FASM Assembler.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

Finish Mbed TLS port

General Description

Mbed TLS is an implementation of the TLS and SSL protocols and associated cryptographic algorithms and support code that aims to be "easy to understand, use, integrate and extend".

What it gives us

The implementation of MbedTLS support will significantly expand the capabilities of the KolibriOS networking stack and allow it to be used in more networking scenarios, for example, HTTPS support.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Finish MbedTLS port (headers for FASM, get ceritificates working) (TODOs).
    • Additional: Update HTTP library (written in FASM) to support HTTPS by using mbedtls.obj.
  • Language: C, Assembler/FASM.
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, you need to be familiar with library porting.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

FLTK Port

General Description

FLTK, or Fast Light Toolkit, is a cross-platform GUI toolkit. It is designed to provide modern GUI functionality without overkill and supports 3D graphics via OpenGL and native GLUT emulation.

What it gives us

FLTK provides a wide and convenient enough choice of plugins to implement a complex GUI, and is also cross-platform, and therefore its support in KolibriOS will make it easier to write applications. Also, compared to other UI libraries, FLTK uses a lighter design and is limited to GUI functionality.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Make a working port of FLTK widget library and add it to the automatic build system.
    • Additional: Port Scintilla source code editing component (minimum working version).
  • Language: C++, C--, Assembler/FASM
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, you need to be familiar with library porting.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

FASMG port

General Description

In 2018 Tomasz Gryshtar (creator of FASM) introduced FASMG, a new assembler engine with more advanced features for simplified writing of complex code. It is quite a powerful and useful tool, and so it would be nice to support its new syntax in KolibriOS.

What it gives us

The kernel, drivers and many programs in KolibriOS are written exactly in FASM Assembler, and porting FASMG would make life easier for developers who work on improving the OS functionality.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Write FASMG application like FASM one. Port standard KolibriOS macros to FASMG syntax.
    • Additional: Implement macros for compatibility with FASM.
  • Language: Assembler/FASM/FASMG
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, you need to be familiar with FASM Assembly language.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

Unicode library

General Description

Unicode is a character encoding standard that includes characters from almost all written languages of the world. The standard is currently prevalent on the Internet and is also frequently used in modern operating systems. The main advantage of Unicode is that it supports a huge number of characters, which allows it to be used for encoding and storing almost any textual information.

What it gives us

Unicode is a large and complex standard, nevertheless, modern OS should provide libraries with Unicode related routines like NFC, NFD, sorting, comparing, etc. Support for this standard in KolibriOS would greatly increase its compatibility with various data sources, and make new application scenarios available.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Write a tiny Unicode library with core Unicode algorithms and example application.
    • Additional: Update existing applications to use the new library.
  • Language: Assembler/FASM
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, you need to be familiar with writing libraries and FASM Assembler language.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

VirtIO driver

General Description

VirtIO is a virtualization standard for network and disk device drivers where just the guest's device driver "knows" it is running in a virtual environment, and cooperates with the hypervisor. This enables guests to get high performance network and disk operations, and gives most of the performance benefits of paravirtualization.

What it gives us

Because there is no easy way to automatically install KolibriOS on a hard disk, it is often used specifically in a virtualized environment, and therefore improving support and device performance in this situation would be extremely beneficial to it.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Write kernel driver for any VirtIO device, for example - Ethernet card.
    • Additional: Also write drivers for any another VirtIO devices.
  • Language: Assembler/FASM
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, you need to be familiar with writing drivers and FASM Assembly language.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

Loop device driver

General Description

Loop device, vnd (vnode disk), or lofi (loop file interface) is a pseudo-device that makes a computer file accessible as a block device. After mounting a file that holds a file system, the files in that system can be accessed through the usual file system interface of the operating system, without any need for special functionality, such as reading and writing to ISO images, in applications.

What it gives us

Loop device drivers allow for mounting a file that holds a file system, making the files within that file system accessible. It also provides a block device on top of a file (or another block device, optionally with remapping). Lastly, if the file contains an encrypted file system, the loop device can be the decrypted version of the original encrypted file and can therefore be mounted as if it were a normal file system.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Write loop device driver and example application to manage loop devices.
    • Additional: Prepare a set of disk images to be used in filesystem unit tests.
  • Language: Assembler/FASM.
  • Difficulty: Intermediate, you need to be familiar with writing drivers and FASM Assembly language.
  • Time/Size: 175 hours.
  • Links:

NVMe driver

General Description

NVM Express (NVMe) is a specification of protocols for accessing solid-state drives (SSDs) connected by the PCI Express bus. The first specification appeared in 2014 and since then this standard has been widely used, in particular, for SSDs in desktop and mobile devices.

What it gives us

In recent years, the use of NVMe drives has become increasingly popular in personal computers, and the implementation of their support is very important in terms of compatibility and the ability to work with data in KolibriOS.

Other information

  • Goals:
    • Primary: Write basic NVMe device driver to support NVMe SSD.
    • Additional: Add support of namespaces.
  • Languages: Assembly/FASM.
  • Difficulty: Hard, you need to be familiar with writing drivers and FASM Assembly language.
  • Time/Size: 350 hours.
  • Links:

RSS/Atom news reader

General Description

RSS and Atom are web feeds that allow users and applications to access updates of websites in a standardized, computer-readable format. For the average user, it can be used primarily as a news/update feed, where the user can subscribe to channels of interest and receive news or other updates from different sources in one place. They are based on XML and can easily be processed using AsmXml library. User application for reading RSS/Atom feeds would be a good addition to usability of KolibriOS, as it will allow users to read news feeds from different sources without need to manually open news websites.

What it gives us

RSS/Atom feed can be a great addition to the KolibriOS functionality, as it allows users to conveniently receive updates from different sources, including even on very weak devices, where opening the source of interest in the browser is impossible or problematic.

Other information

SDL2 Port

General Description

SDL is a free cross-platform multimedia library that implements an interface to graphics, sound and input devices. This library is actively used when writing cross-platform graphical applications (mostly games). The previous version of the library, SDL 1.2, is already ported for KolibriOS, but there is no SDL 2 port, which is the most up-to-date and supported version.

What it gives us

Having support for SDL 2 in KolibriOS will not only allow developers to develop new applications using the updated functionality of the library, but also to port a huge number of existing open source programs (mostly emulators and games) from other platforms, because SDL 2 is often used to implement frontend/graphics in such applications.

Other information

Add HTML forms support to WebView

General Description

Despite supporting many basic HTML features, the WebView browser does not currently support HTML forms (<form>, <input>, etc.). This makes its use extremely limited and prevents it from utilizing the functionality of many popular sites. Therefore, it would be great to implement this functionality in WebView.

What it gives us

Because of the lack of form support, WebView can't even use search engines directly (currently only indirect use of Google in the address bar is possible). This alone would be a great addition to its capabilities and would make its use much more convenient and intuitive. In addition, forms could also be used on sites like online libraries or forums, thus giving KolibriOS users a more complete access to the Internet.

Other information

J2ME Emulator

General Description

J2ME (Java Platform, Micro Edition) is a version of the Java platform for devices with limited resources, such as cell phones, pocket computers, etc. It was especially popular in the 00s, when most mobile phones ran on it. Accordingly, a large number of software for this platform was created at that time, and it would be quite nice to have its support in KolibriOS.

What it gives us

There are already quite a lot of emulators for various retro platforms, which makes it possible to use it, including for retro gaming. Therefore, support for another popular platform will certainly not hurt, especially since in addition to a lot of great games for J2ME also released other programs that can be useful.

Other information

Rust library development for KolibriOS

General Description

At the moment, the Rust library for KolibriOS is in the early stages of development - it doesn't support all system functions, and it doesn't know how to work with system libraries. You can do a great thing, and help in the design and development of this library!

What it gives us

Rust is a modern programming language that has been actively gaining popularity in recent years, and the number of its users is growing. In addition, it is positioned as fast and compact, which fits perfectly with the KolibriOS ideology. Therefore, it would be very good to have its support as another tool for potential developers.

Other information

Rough Guide for Prospective Contributors

  • As the kernel is written in FASM, ability to write and understand i386-assembly code is very useful.
  • C is also a plus as some applications/libraries and components are written in C. Also, C is useful to interface with assembly at times.
  • Familiarity with the GNU landscape like Autotools, GCC etc are also a plus to have (especially for porting software)
  • The desire to take challenging problems and solve them is also required as several parts of the code base require thought for design and implementation. (The mentors can help you with that :) )
  • Hanging out on LiberaChat's #kolibriOS and our forum where developers mostly hang out.
  • Languages used for communication are English and Russian (although most developers are bilingual, and you can always ask someone for help)
  • Get in touch with other developers via IRC / Forums and enjoy your stay!

I'm a potential GSoC contributor. I'm scared of all the assembly and docs here! Where should I start?! :'(

Start here : http://wiki.kolibrios.org/wiki/HowTo This will help you set up KolibriOS. Easiest will be to use either Qemu or VirtualBox as most developers use it and thus will be able to help you with eventual problems. Feel free however to try something else and let us know how it goes!

I'm a potential GSoC contributor. What is this test task?!

Regarding the test mentioned above, it is for assessing your current skill set and their relevance regarding the project that you want to eventually work on. In most cases, your potential mentor will assign you a task via IRC / Forum but another developer can do this as well. Meanwhile, In case you are waiting for a test task, you can go through our bug tracker and find a small task to work on yourself, or learn about KolibriOS by going through example code.

I want to play with the code but my college blocks SVN

If you are have trouble accessing, please do mention it on the forums. You can temporarily use this backup git repository:

Or our official GitHub mirror:

All the ideas seem interesting, But...

Feel free to suggest your own idea! This is encouraged largely both in GSoC and KolibriOS. The mentors will be glad to such an idea and assess it's feasibility/usability for KolibriOS.

Great Guide! But I still don't understand X

Please read Documentation / Development pages on this Wiki. If you have any doubts, feel free to connect with other KolibriOS users and developers through Forum Chat or #kolibrios on LiberaChat.
Please ask developers / mentors on Forum Chat or IRC. Please be patient on IRC and Forum as developers are on different time zones and it might take a few hours to get back to you. You can also start a Forum thread if it is about something you feel is a general issue.

And most importantly... Have Fun!

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