What?
Bringing a group of developers together in one place and having them focus intensively on a specific topic for a few days—that’s the idea behind code sprints. Instead of discussing concepts and ideas via email, instant messaging, or mailing lists, developers can exchange ideas directly. This saves time, prevents misunderstandings, and allows for intensive work on the product—without the usual daily distractions and misunderstandings.
Where? When? Who?
Code sprints are commonplace in software development—and this is also true for the ongoing development of Neos, the TYPO3 community’s “next-generation open-source content management system.” With the upcoming release of Neos version 1.2, it was that time of year again this fall: From September 27 to October 5, Aske Ertmann, Release Manager for Neos 1.2, “invited” everyone to a code sprint in southern Denmark. But not, as usual, to a mundane office. No, to Lungholm Castle, a stately 16th-century manor house. Complete with four-poster beds, a swimming pool, and a dining hall. Unfortunately, there was no staff. We had to do our own grocery shopping and cooking—but that’s okay. Twenty-six developers accepted the invitation, coming from Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Russia, the U.S., and even Cambodia. And the two of us. For me, it was already my third Neos Code Sprint; for Daniel, it was his first. But certainly not his last.
How?
At the start of the Code Sprint, we were divided into different groups to work on various topics. For example, translating the TYPO3 Neos user interface or improving the documentation. At the heart ofpunkt de’s Code Sprints, however, was the finalization of Neos 1.2 Beta 1. Many of the new features had already been developed; so the focus was mainly on the final touches: fixing bugs, improving stability, and optimizing the user experience, to name just a few of our tasks. A lot of work. But there was plenty of fun as well—in the form of daily walks, a game of pool, or social gatherings in the evening. The main topic of discussion was Neos 1.3. True to the motto: Always think one step ahead. And one thing is already certain for us: When the next version is ready to launch, we’ll be back at the Code Sprint!
