The Google Summer of Code: An Opportunity for Students to Learn and Grow

Introduction

The Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global program that offers students the opportunity to work on open-source projects during their summer break. The program was launched in 2005, and since then, it has helped thousands of students gain valuable experience in software development.

Benefits of Participating in GSoC

Participating in GSoC can be immensely beneficial for students. Firstly, students get to work on real-world projects, which can help them gain experience in software development. They also get to work with mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the project. In addition, students can learn new programming languages and tools, which can help them build their skills and improve their employability.

Another major benefit of participating in GSoC is that it can help students build their professional network. Students get to work with other developers from around the world, which can help them build relationships and connect with potential employers. Moreover, students can showcase their work on their resume and portfolio, which can help them stand out in the job market.

How to Participate in GSoC

To participate in GSoC, students need to apply to one of the participating organizations. The application process usually starts in March, and students need to submit their proposals by the deadline. The proposals should outline the project they want to work on, their skills and experience, and how they plan to complete the project.

After the deadline, the participating organizations review the proposals and select the students they want to work with. Once selected, the students work with their mentors to complete the project during the summer break. The program runs for 12 weeks, from May to August.

Conclusion

The Google Summer of Code is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in software development, learn new skills, and build their professional network. If you are a student who is passionate about software development, I highly recommend that you consider participating in GSoC. The program can help you take your skills to the next level and open up new opportunities for your career.

My participation

Here is my plan for participating in the Google Summer of Code:

1. Create a simple PHP memory checker, variable size checker, and environment configuration checker.
2. Set up a local Drupal development environment using the official guide: https://www.drupal.org/docs/official_docs/en/_local_development_guide.html
3. Follow the 'Hello World' tutorial to create my first Drupal Module: https://www.drupal.org/docs/creating-custom-modules/step-by-step-tutorial-hello-world
4. Integrate the PHP memory checker, variable size checker, and environment configuration checker into my Hello World module.

Once I have completed these steps, I will take the next steps to make the memory checker a custom module that can hook into any other Drupal module.

How To setup your local env

Important for after GSoC ends! Try to be a part of open source

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jiHwjgE9Ys&ab_channel=GoogleOpenSource

Issues I’ve encountered

Resources on Memory usage and profiling in PHP

PSR-4

‘Factory Pattern’ : design pattern

First Week in Coding Period