The Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global, online initiative aimed at introducing fresh contributors to the world of open-source software development. Participants in the GSoC program engage in a 12+ week programming project with the guidance of mentors from open-source organizations. The primary goal is to attract and nurture new talent, fostering a community of enthusiastic contributors who will ideally continue their involvement in open-source projects well beyond the conclusion of the Google Summer of Code program.
During the program, these newcomers to open source dedicate their summer to coding for a specific open-source organization, benefiting from the mentorship provided by experienced contributors within that community. The collaborative nature of Google Summer of Code encourages participants to immerse themselves in the open-source ethos, gaining practical experience and making valuable contributions to the projects they work on.
Since its inception in 2005, the Google Summer of Code program has successfully brought together more than 20,000 new contributors and students. This diverse group has collaborated with over 800 open-source organizations, guided by the expertise of over 19,000 mentors. The long-term vision of GSoC is to create a sustainable pipeline of talent and passion for open-source development, with the expectation that participants will continue to be active contributors to open-source communities even after their formal involvement in the GSoC program concludes.
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global initiative that aims to foster the growth of open-source software development by bringing in new contributors. This online program spans over 12 weeks and focuses on engaging students in meaningful programming projects with the guidance of mentors from various open-source organizations. The primary objective is to introduce participants to the world of open-source development, nurturing their skills and encouraging continued contributions to these communities long after the program concludes.
Throughout the GSoC program, participants, referred to as contributors, dedicate their summer to coding for specific open-source organizations. Working closely with mentors, who are experienced members of these communities, contributors gain hands-on experience and insights into collaborative software development practices. The program serves as a bridge, connecting aspiring developers with established open-source projects and providing a structured environment for skill development.
Since its inception in 2005, GSoC has played a pivotal role in onboarding over 20,000 students and contributors, fostering collaboration with more than 800 open-source organizations. The mentorship model, where experienced individuals guide and support new contributors, has been a key factor in the program’s success. GSoC not only provides a valuable learning experience for participants but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of the broader open-source ecosystem.
Google Summer of Code has become a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the infusion of fresh perspectives into the world of open-source software. As participants work on real-world projects, they not only enhance their technical skills but also become part of a global community dedicated to advancing the principles of open collaboration and innovation in software development.
Method of Application
- Apply: Interested contributors propose a project to work on.
- code: Code Accepted GSoC contributors spend the summer coding with guidance from a mentor.
- public: Share Submit your code for the world to use!
Google Summer of Code 2024 Timeline
January 22 – 18:00 UTC
- Mentoring organizations can begin submitting applications to Google
February 6 – 18:00 UTC
- Mentoring organization application deadline
February 6 – 20
- Google program administrators review organization applications
February 21 – 18:00 UTC
- List of accepted mentoring organizations published
February 22 – March 18
- Potential GSoC contributors discuss application ideas with mentoring organizations
March 18 – 18:00 UTC
- GSoC contributor application period begins
April 2 – 18:00 UTC
- GSoC contributor application deadline
April 24 – 18:00 UTC
- GSoC contributor proposal rankings due from Org Admins
May 1 – 18:00 UTC
- Accepted GSoC contributor projects announced
May 1 – 26
- Community Bonding Period | GSoC contributors get to know mentors, read documentation, get up to speed to begin working on their projects
May 27
- Coding officially begins!
July 8 – 18:00 UTC
- Mentors and GSoC contributors can begin submitting midterm evaluations
July 12 – 18:00 UTC
- Midterm evaluation deadline (standard coding period)
July 12 – August 19
- Work Period | GSoC contributors work on their project with guidance from Mentors
August 19 – 26 – 18:00 UTC
- Final week: GSoC contributors submit their final work product and their final mentor evaluation (standard coding period)
August 26 – September 2 – 18:00 UTC
- Mentors submit final GSoC contributor evaluations (standard coding period)
September 3
- Initial results of Google Summer of Code 2024 announced
September 3 – November 4
- GSoC contributors with extended timelines continue coding
November 4 – 18:00 UTC
- Final date for all GSoC contributors to submit their final work product and final evaluation
November 11 – 18:00 UTC
- Final date for mentors to submit evaluations for GSoC contributor projects with extended deadlines
Application Deadline: February 6, 2024
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