I want to participate in the next Google Summer of Code (GSoC). Where should I start from and what should I do?

To participate in the Google Summer of Code (GSoC), here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started and navigate the process successfully:

Step 1: Understand the Program

• Familiarize yourself with the GSoC program, its objectives, and the overall timeline. The program involves contributing to open-source projects under the guidance of mentors from participating organizations4.

Step 2: Choose an Organization and Project

• Explore the list of participating organizations, usually announced by the end of February. Identify organizations and projects that align with your skills and interests. You can find project ideas on the organizations' pages or through the GSoC website24.

Step 3: Engage with the Community

• Join the community forums, mailing lists, or GitHub discussions of the organizations and projects you are interested in. This helps you understand the community norms, coding standards, and expectations. Engaging early can also help you build credibility and get feedback on your ideas24.

Step 4: Prepare Your Proposal

• Draft a detailed project proposal outlining your project plan, deliverables, and timeline. Ensure your proposal highlights your skills, past experiences, and how you plan to achieve the project goals. It is crucial to get feedback from mentors before submitting your final proposal24.

Step 5: Meet the Application Requirements

• Register on the GSoC website and submit your proposal during the contributor application period, typically in March to April. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines of the organization you are applying to, such as creating a PDF of your application and signing any necessary agreements (e.g., the Fedora Project Contributor Agreement if applying to Fedora)14.

Step 6: Improve Your Skills

• Focus on improving your coding skills, especially in the relevant programming languages and frameworks. Familiarize yourself with version control systems like Git and GitHub. Analyze open-source codebases to learn best practices and contribute to existing projects to build your portfolio2.

Step 7: Community Bonding and Coding

• If your proposal is accepted, you will enter the community bonding period where you will learn about the organization’s community and prepare for your coding project. This is followed by the coding period, which typically lasts 12 weeks but can vary between 10 to 22 weeks depending on the project size and your commitments45.

Step 8: Evaluations and Final Submission

• During and at the end of the coding period, you and your mentor will submit evaluations. You will also submit your code, project summaries, and final evaluations. Mentors will review your work to determine if you pass the GSoC program4.

Additional Tips

• Apply to multiple organizations to increase your chances of selection.
• Target less competitive organizations for better chances.
• Stay consistent and motivated throughout the process, as persistence is key to getting selected and successfully completing the program2.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively prepare for and participate in the Google Summer of Code program.