Mathesar, an open source database project from the Center of Complex Interventions (CCI), has been selected as a mentoring organization for Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2022. The Mathesar team is seeking contributors with Python, JavaScript, or PostgreSQL skills to work on the project. Contributors will solve interesting technical challenges, acquire new skills, and learn what it’s like to work with a team on an open source project. See our Applicant Guide and Project Ideas page for how to get started.
Mathesar aims to make databases accessible to non-technical users, allowing users to store, manipulate, visualize, and collaborate with others on their data. It’s currently in early development, with the goal of releasing our first alpha version in mid-2022. Learn more about Mathesar, including some of the different types of contributions we’re looking for, on the Mathesar wiki.
“We’re excited to grow the open source community by mentoring people new to open source,” says project lead Kriti Godey, director of technology for CCI. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to spread the word about Mathesar and recruit community contributors. Although this is Mathesar’s first time participating in GSoC, the team has experience with mentoring GSoC contributors from previous organizations. We’re looking forward to developing relationships with people with all kinds of different backgrounds who are enthusiastic about the importance of open source software. ”
Google’s Summer of Code program pairs mentor organizations with contributors who are new to open source software. Contributors receive a stipend for the 12-week program with their mentor organization, which includes a 3-week community building and project introduction period, coding sprints, hands-on mentoring, and two-way evaluations.
This year for the first time Google is accepting applications from anyone new to open source, rather than limiting the program to post-secondary students as in past years. The Mathesar team is interested in hearing from anyone who’s eager to learn and cares about making data, and databases, accessible and useful to all.
Although contributor applications for Summer of Code open on April 4, interested contributors should read through our Applicant Guide and start discussing projects with mentors as soon as possible.