FormulaAIAbstractLevel

Basics

Write a small introduction to yourself.

I'm Mateusz Lis, 3rd year student from Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland. I'm interested in everything what's connected to Computer Science. Recently I have spent much time on pattern recognition.

State your preferred email address.

mateusz.lisATTgmail.com

If you have chosen a nick for IRC and Wesnoth forums, what is it?

lisu (sometimes on IRC lisu_)

Why do you want to participate in summer of code?

I'd like to extend my programming experience, to finally involve in some big open source project. It would be also good if I invented good Artificial Inteligence for Wesnoth, it would be perfect if it could beat myself. I think that could be fun.

 What are you studying, subject, level and school? 

3rd year of Computer Science, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland.

Experience

 What programs/software have you worked on before?

Beyond some small projects on my university I was the leader of programming group creating OCR system in Python (SnakeReader, available on code.google.com). Project is frozen now, because we had to face some problems connected to the efficiency of this language. I'm also a developer of commercial Content Management System (YaCMS).

 Have you developed software in a team environment before? (As opposed to hacking on something on your own)

In SnakeReader I'm (or I was) leader of team preparing it. It wasn't big project (7 persons, all from my univesrity). In YaCMS I work with couple of my friends to create CMS for company.

 Have you participated to the Google Summer of Code before? As a mentor or a student? In what project? Were you successful? If not, why?

It is my first time I apply to GSoC.

What development model would you use (e.g. keywords: V-model, XP programming, agile programming, iterative; with the help of prototyping, formal specifications, tests, etc).

I'd prefer XP programming (recently I write in pair with my friend Jarek102, it creates better code, because we are good in different things). We use unit tests.

Open Source

Are you already involved with any open source development projects? If yes, please describe the project and the scope of your involvement.

Because works on SnakeReader are stopped I must say no (we are currenlty considering re-writing part in C).

Gaming experience

Are you a gamer?  If so...

Ofcourse

What type of gamer are you?

hmmm, fast?

What type of games? 

Actually I was playing more when I was younger. Titles like Heroes Of Might And Magic II and III, or Civilisation II (now I like IV, but it's not the same, I've also tried FreeCiv) bring my memories. I've also played much in C&C (Command & Conquer) Series, up to Red Alert II. So mainly Turn based strategies and RTS games.

What type of opponents do you prefer? 

It depends, I've spent much time playing Heroes III multiplayer, or Civ IV. But I don't like RTS, because usually I'm not that fast. I've also spent some time playing Wesnoth multiplayer, with some of my friends (I'm still not the best) and I prefer it to single player games, because computer opponents are not the best ones. But I must say it not bad anyway considering fact, that in Heroes computer players always KNOW WHOLE MAP.

Are you more interested in story or gameplay?

I thing both is important to create good game. I've played multiplayer campaign in Wesnoth but it has finnished after second mission. I think that's a good idea to develop.

Have you played Wesnoth? If so, tell us roughly for how long and whether you lean towards single player or multiplayer.

I've not played much. I know this game from few weeks, my friend told me about it. As I've mentioned before, I'd rather prefer multiplayer campaigns, if there were more of them. Actually last few days I've played for 10-12 hours, which isn't good...

Communication skills

Are you good at interacting with other players? Our developer community is friendly, but the player community can be a bit rough.

I've worked two summers in the UK, so I'm available to speak let's say fluently in this language. It this obvously easier to write, however I make mistakes.

Do you give constructive advice? 

I'm trying to. Usually I attach arguments to my advices. It is always easier to think of a better solution of a problem when you can consider as many agruments as it is possible.

Do you receive advice well? 

Again, I'm doing my best to analyze my mistakes, and receive advices to make my work as good as it is possible

Are you good at sorting useful criticisms from useless ones?

Usually justification makes the difference, although it's hard task. I'm trying to be not to emotional in professional life.

Project

Did you select a project from our list? If that is the case, what project did you select?

FormulaAI extension.

Why did you choose this project?

I'm interrested in Artificial Inteligence methods, and I know, that creating a game, especially this kind of game, can give me satisfaction. It is always easier to motivate myself, when I can see efects of my work. What is more convincing, when I had a better look on this project, I've seen good working committe. I would like to be a part of it and I'll do my best in what I'm good at.

• • Include an estimated timeline for your work on the project
  • Include as much technical detail about your implementation as you can

What do you expect to gain from this project?

First of all I expect to gain new experience working in big project, being responsible for important part of it, and to achieve profficiency in playing Wesnoth ;).

What would make you stay in the Wesnoth community after the conclusion of SOC? 

Succes. I mean, I want to participate in big project, that motivates me to work. And this looks like it.

Practical considerations

Are you familiar with any of the following tools?

• • • Subversion I've worked with subversion from about two years.
    • C++ yes, from about two years I write programms in C++.
    • Python I've started with Python 3 years ago, and I must say I like this language.

Which tools do you normally use for development? Why do you use them?

Eclipse for C++, PHP and Java. Eric's Python Ide for Python (I don't like Eclipse plugin for Python it's strange).

What programming languages are you fluent in?

• • • Python (3 years)
    • C++ (2 years)
    • Java (last semester)
    • PHP (4 years)
    • Pascal (I know it from about ten years)

What spoken languages are you fluent in?

English, Polish.

At what hours are you awake (please specify in UTC)

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Would you mind talking with your mentor on telephone / internet phone? 

I wouldn't mind. It may be helpful.

• Detailed answer (optional, but writing skill is a good predictor of ability to work on a programming team, so you will improve your chances by responding to this).
  • Write a small essay (750-1000 words or more) explaining why you want to participate in a Wesnoth GSoC project. You can use the above questions as guides, but feel free to throw in more information if you feel it is relevant.
  • What is your perception of 'open source'? Briefly explain what you think of the whole 'open source' concept, how you discovered open source, what you expect to gain/experience by participating in an open-source project. (Answer separately or as part of above mini-essay)
  • What motivates or inspires you to write programs and develop software?