code::XtremeApps:: - Information Technology Standards Committee announces the first 24-hour computer programming competition to be held in Singapore

Targeted at students, software developers, technopreneurs and start-ups in Singapore, code::XtremeApps:: aims to instill interest in computer programming, identify future infocomm talent, and put Singapore on the world map for innovation

The Information Technology Standards Committee (ITSC) announced code::XtremeApps::, the first round-the-clock computer programming competition to be held in Singapore on September 22. Targeted at students and technoprenuers alike, code::XtremeApps:: will challenge the creativity of the contestants in developing innovative web applications strictly within a 24-hour timeframe, using Web 2.0 tools such as Ruby on Rails, Google Web Toolkit, Google Gadgets and Google Maps, and staying within the parameter of the competition theme which will only be announced at the onset of the actual event. The grand prize is an all-expense paid trip to Googleplex, Google’s headquarters in California, USA. Registration is now open via the ITSC official website at www.itsc.org.sg.

code::XtremeApps:: aims to cultivate interest in computer programming among secondary, junior college and tertiary students, as well as budding software developers, technopreneurs and start-ups in Singapore. The ITSC also hopes to use code::XtremeApps:: as a platform to identify future infocomm talent, further the developments of infocomm technology as a key enabler to enhance Singapore’s economic competitiveness, as well as place Singapore on the world map for innovation.

To enter the competition, contestants are invited to form a team of not more than three. For students under the age of 18 years old, parental consent is also required for entry.

Each team will have 24 hours to conceive and develop their applications based on next-generation web application framework from Ruby on Rails, Google Web Toolkit, Google Gadgets and Google Maps.

Ruby on Rails, also popularly known as Rails or RoR, is a full-stack open source framework for developing database-backed web applications according to the Model-View-Control pattern. Popular online productivity and collaboration tools such as Basecamp and Campfire are built upon Ruby on Rails. Similarly, Google Web Toolkit is an open source toolkit that allows software developers to create Ajax applications in the Java programming language, while Google Gadgets API (application programming interface) provides the means to create mini applications that run on multiple sites, such as an online calendar, world clock or weather station. Lastly, Google Maps API allows you to embed Google Maps onto web pages and build map mashup applications to display information on the Map. Already many map mashup applications are built using Google Maps API, including some local developed applications like an interactive property search, winning 4D outlets locator and dengue hotspot areas.

Two training sessions will be conducted to help interested participants learn more about the development tools prior to the competition. These will be held on September 1 for Ruby on Rails, and September 8 for Google Web Toolkit, Google Gadgets and Google Maps.

“The recent developments of the Internet have rewritten the rules of computer programming. Unlike decades ago where programming was limited only to those who were technically inclined, application development tools of today have dramatically reduced the learning curve and software development time, and allowed almost anyone to easily create their own applications using existing online frameworks and toolkits,” said ITSC Chairman Robert Chew, Strategy Lead for Accenture ASEAN. “We believe code::XtremeApps:: will help change the way people think about computer programming, and motivate them to start building their own creations.”

The winning team will embark on an all-expense paid trip to Googleplex, Google’s headquarters in California, USA, while the first and second runners-up will walk home with up to S$10,000 in cash prizes.

All entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts and practitioners appointed by the ITSC based on the following criteria: innovation, value, functionality, extensibility, and sophistication.

The winners will be announced at the prize-giving ceremony on September 28.