.. _faq:

FAQ
===

**Frequently Asked Questions**

* I am interested in Chapel as a Google Summer of Code student, where do I
  start?

  * See the :ref:`gsoc-apply` section. It describes the steps
    you will need to take in order to have a successful application.

* When are peak hours for the `chapel-summer-of-code Gitter channel`_ and `Chapel Gitter channel`_?

  * The core Chapel developers are primarily located in the US, so your
    chances of finding a developer on the channel are highest during weekday
    work hours of Pacific through Eastern timezones.
    This is approximately 06:00 - 18:00 Pacific Time.

.. _`chapel-summer-of-code Gitter channel`: https://gitter.im/chapel-lang/chapel-summer-of-code
.. _`Chapel Gitter channel`: https://gitter.im/chapel-lang/chapel

* I want to start working on the compiler! Where do I start?

  * Slow down young grasshopper. Before you run, you must first learn to walk.
    You should begin your journey at the `Contributing`_ page.

.. _`contributing`: http://chapel-lang.org/contributing.html

* I've read the documentation on `platform support`_ and can't find Windows
  anywhere.


  * At this stage in Chapel's development, Windows is not *officially*
    supported natively. Chapel does work well under the Windows
    Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and it's also possible to use it under
    Cygwin. However for most GSoC development efforts we would recommend
    using WSL, a VM, or finding a Linux machine you can SSH to.

    If you are Windows enthusiast interested in improving the situation,
    you might be interested in submitting a project proposal for
    improving Windows support.

.. _platform support: http://chapel-lang.org/docs/master/platforms/index.html

* How many students will Chapel be accepting this summer?

  * The number of students we are able to accept is not yet known at this point.
    For reference, Chapel accepted 2 students for GSoC 2016 and 4 students for
    GSoC 2017.

* Which projects are highest priority?

  * All projects are considered roughly at the same level of priority. Project
    priority will not be a factor in the proposal evaluation process. Students
    will not be at a disadvantage for proposing a project that is not listed on
    the :ref:`gsoc-ideas`, but they *should* discuss the idea with developers
    before pursuing it as their project proposal.

* What factors should be taken into consideration when choosing projects?

  * Some projects receive higher interest from students than others,
    meaning there may be greater competition for some projects over others.
    You can get an idea of the interest for a given project by browsing the
    mailing list or hanging out in the `chapel-summer-of-code Gitter channel`_.

  * No mentor will be able to take more than one student. This may affect the
    projects we are able to accept.

  * With these previous caveats in mind, the primary motivating factor in
    deciding what you work on should be your interest in the project.

* Where can I learn more about previous Chapel Summers of Code?

  * `GSoC 2017 Archive <https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/archive/2017/organizations/4757669491507200/>`_
  * `GSoC 2016 Archive <https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/archive/2016/organizations/4704629866627072/>`_