= Django development sprints =

== What is a sprint? ==

Basically, a Django sprint is an excuse for people to focus their undivided attention, for a set time frame, on improving Django. It's a focused, scheduled effort to fix bugs, add new features and improve documentation.

Anybody, anywhere around the world, can participate and contribute. (See the "How to contribute" section below for details.) Most contributors will be at their own homes/schools/workplaces, but a number of people will gather together in person for camaraderie, improved communication and the other benefits of face-to-face interaction.

If you've never contributed to Django before, a sprint is the perfect chance for you to chip in.

== Upcoming sprints ==

  * July 10 - July 12 at [wiki:SprintEuroPython2008 EuroPython 2008], focusing on [NewformsAdminBranch newforms-admin].
  
  * July 18 in [wiki:SprintSausalitoJuly2008 Sausalito, CA], focusing on [VersionOneRoadmap#schedule Django 1.0 alpha].
  
  * August 1, in [wiki:SprintDCAugust2008 Washington, DC], focusing on [VersionOneRoadmap#schedule Django 1.0 beta].

  * August 8, [wiki:SprintLawrenceAugust2008 Lawrence, KS], focusing on [VersionOneRoadmap#schedule Django 1.0 beta 2].

  * August 15, [wiki:SprintAustinAugust2008 Austin, TX], focusing on [VersionOneRoadmap#schedule Django 1.0 rc].

  * August 22, [wiki:SprintPortlandAugust2008 Portland, OR], focusing on [VersionOneRoadmap#schedule Django 1.0 final].

== How to contribute ==

It's easy: Pick something to work on and do it. All sorts of tasks are available, from hard-core hacking to improving documentation to fixing small bugs.

Volunteers looking to get an early start should take a look at the SprintIdeas page.

== Preparing for the sprint ==

Here are a few easy things you can do ahead of time to make sure your time is spent effectively:

 * Read our [http://www.djangoproject.com/documentation/contributing/ "Contributing to Django" document].
 * [http://www.djangoproject.com/documentation/install/#installing-the-development-version Install the "trunk" version of Django] (aka the Django development version).
 * [http://www.djangoproject.com/accounts/register/ Create an account in our ticket system]. This will allow you to claim tickets you're working on.
 * Familiarize yourself with our [http://code.djangoproject.com/wiki/Reports ticket system and reports].
 * Get an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat IRC] client, so that you can join us in the channel [irc://irc.freenode.net/django-sprint #django-sprint] on Freenode.

== Attendees ==

If you plan to attending a sprint in person, please RSVP; each individual sprint page linked above wil give you instructions about how to do so.