SummerOfCodeProposal Elbin

Personal Information/Introduction

Name: Ivan Popov

Age: 25

Gender:Male

Education: Masters degree in Molecular Bioengineering, Bioinformatics PhD student

Wesnoth Forum ID: Elbin

IRC ID: Ivan_Popov

GNA ID: elbin

Email Address: thema3xman AT gmail.com

Basics

My name is Ivan Popov, I live in Bulgaria and I just started my PhD in Bioinformatics. My previous studies were in Molecular Biology. I started programming a few years before as part of my bioinformatics studies and I have experience mainly with Python, but have written code in C++ also. I have programming as a hobby and I started my own computer game - a crafting RLRPG.

I want to take part in the Summer of Code as a way to enhance my programming, but also because I like to create stuff that can be useful to others. The best way to do this for me was to find a game I could contribute to, as this motivates me to work.

Experience

I have created some scripts for biological data analysis and my RPG which can be found here. I have worked along with a colleague of mine on some of the script development, but haven't used an SVN a lot. I haven't participated in the GSoC before - this is the first time I hear about it. However I like the concept and may try participating again. This will be my first involvement in open source development if I am accepted.

I am an active gamer, my favourite genre is RPG, I like playing solo character games (as opposed to games in which you lead a group). I usually play as a rogue or mage type of character, but don't have a preference to any kind of opponents. For me the story and gameplay are equally important for the experience of a game. I still haven't played Wesnoth, but I plan to - I want to see what game I'm involved in improving.

Communication skills

I have a very good grasp of written English and I generally get well with other players when playing in multiplayer. I try to understand the object of discussion before giving advice, so I can be of help. I also listen to other peoples advice as a side viewer's point can be useful for the development of my own ideas. I try to take the best from any idea.

Project - Campaign Statistics Report

I selected the stats project because I am familiar with SQL and I think I can improve the currently presented information on the Stats page. I think the project is doable in a smaller amount of time than the three months, which leaves time for some testing and to implement any specific ideas and requirements from the campaign designers. I plan to use Python to facilitate the database connection.

A simple timeplan:

• until 14th of June - I have a parallel project and work may be a bit slow in the beginning
• 25th of June - Middle version (main statistics done)
• 15th of July - First completed working version (more visual design features)
• 30th of July - Implementation of additional ideas (additional ideas after first version)
• 10th of August - End version

I plan on using the currently used Google charts, enhancing the information used from the database. Examples of such statistics are:

• Total and average time of play for the campaign.
• Number of victories/defeats/quits for the respective campaign or difficulty level.
• Total number of special units created; Average level and experience.
• Total number of units, average level, grouping by unit type (elven, fighter, mage, archer, cavalry, etc.)
• Average gold at end of game, average gold used for units, average gold for buildings (needs addition to database?)
• Most played scenarios

This project will help me enhance my web building skills and the interconnection scripts <-> web-page. The knowledge gained about the game during the implementation of the project will give me the chance to take part in other development activities on the game.

Practical considerations

I am familiar with C++ and Python, and have used SVN one or two times. I usually uses the Idle environment to create my Python programs - it is comfortable to use under windows and provides useful information on functions while writing the code. Apart from these languages I am fluent in English and Bulgarian, I can understand some Russian.

Bulgaria is in the +2 timezone. I can be available on IRC in the period from 8 to 14 UTC and possibly in the evening up till 21 o'clock. I also use Skype (username: lok_lear) and ICQ (190552616) so communication can be done with these too.