HackFests
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Definitions
A Hack Fest is an event, where many developers and users gather at one time and place to work on OpenSource projects. A hackfest is a coders equivalent of an InstallFest. [1] (http://www.stladvlug.org/cgi/wiki.pl?HackFest)
Historically, WiredNews used the term to describe Chaos Communication Camp, which took place from August 6th to August 8th, 1999 on a field near Altlandsberg, a place pretty close to Berlin, Germany. They referred to it as "Geekstock" (a play on Woodstock)": a German Hackfest." They also described this event as "It's Internet World meets the Rainbow Gathering." [2] (http://wiki.osafoundation.org/bin/view/Jungle/HackFest)
Context
A hackfest is not an agenda'd tutorial session. In fact, there is no real agenda. Cool things happen at hackfests when brilliant coders sit down to address an issue they feel needs the attention of a seasoned hacker.
Classic examples of hacks at previous events were Harald Welte's hacking the Linux USB network driver to get an unsupported USB WiFi adaptor working under Linux, or Gopal V's port of DotGnu (.NET implementation) to the Simputer.
A hackfest doesn't even have to be centralised - as long as there are sufficient network resources available, people all over the event could be hacking on stuff on their laptops, any odd machine hanging around, etc.
Impromptu hack-teams are common - people get together on the fly and make coding magic happen.
Derivatives
A common "derivation" of a hackfest is a "bugbash" - a list of known bugs is put up and participants have to fix them. While similar, this is not the same as a hackfest.
Resources
A hackfest needs
- Hackers
- PCs (laptops are desirable)
- Network connectivity
- Freedom to hack
- Coffee