FTA:Development Methodology

Development Methodology

The original manuals look fantastic and I believe the work was funded heavily by the EU. The problem as I see it is the tenancy to obsolete quite fast.

To get things started I propose that the FTA create a development manual with a number of stages.

• Each project should have a controlling 'editor' that is responsible for releases.
• The initial development phase using a standards based 'markdown' language like txt2tags.

 * Two parts to each course:
   - A Student Guide.
   - A separate Course Exercise Workbook.
   - Slideware ? 

• Bi-annually the txt2tags are put together as 'html' published 'Beta' material that is accessible by those that sign on for such materials. Such Beta testers to review and log suggestions/errata etc..

 * Perhaps a ticketing system like RT: Request Tracker could be used for this purpose.
 * Tickets to be tracked and updates made as necessary with acknowledgemets.

• Following the 'Beta' process the HTML manual is converted to an Open Document Format (ODF) or whatever is decided.

 * Stages 
   - Graphics to be standardised (specific volunteer help needed for this)
   - A method to convert the markdown or HTML to the ODF and Portable Document Format (PDF) formats.

I would really be interested if this is of interest to the membership ? What do you think ?

--An Laoch (talk) 10:23, 30 September 2014 (CEST)