Overview
Project 3 is a non-coding project. Instead, you will read two sections in The Architecture of Open Source Applications and write a short report on what you have read. The Architecture of Open Source Applications has three volumes: two original volumes and a new volume titled The Performance of Open Source Applications. We will not be using The Performance of Open Source Applications so you will need to scroll down that page to see the two original volumes.
The due date is the last day of class. Your tasks are
- Read the introduction to The Architecture of Open Source Applications, Volume 1.
- Pick two of the 49 sections in Volumes 1 or 2, but not from "The Performance..". The sections can come from either volume.
- Read the two sections you selected.
- Write a roughly 2-3 page, double spaced, 12pt font written report on the two sections you read.
- You should have an introduction paragraph describing what the two programs do.
- You should have two or three paragraphs on each program, basically summarizing the section. What were the main challenges faced by the developers? What lessons were learned? You should focus here not on the details but on the architecture. Try and convince me that you actually read the section.
- Next, you should have one or two paragraphs comparing the two programs. Did they face similar issues? Did they solve some architecture in two different ways? The same way? You don't have to answer all these questions, they are just given you ideas.
- Lastly, you should have a conclusion paragraph.
- While the majority of the points will be given towards content (did you actually read the section?), a small part (5% or so) of the grade will be for correct spelling, using complete sentences, correct grammar, introduction and conclusion, and all those other things from your English classes.
The report should be printed and turned in on the last day of class.
For extra credit, you can read one or two additional sections from Volume 1 or 2 for a total of three or four sections. Your report should become longer. Also, you should pick programs from different styles (e.g. at most one video game).