Modification History
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Release |
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Release 1 |
This Unit first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0 |
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to contribute as a member of an open-source software project community and to maintain open-source code. The open-source development model differs considerably from the traditional commercial model.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to individuals working in software and system development and maintenance. They may work as open-source software developers who are required to build, test and distribute open-source software applications, or programmers responsible for integrating open-source components, tools or technologies into their applications.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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Element |
Performance Criteria |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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1. Investigate open-source paradigm |
1.1 Examine the open-source paradigm and demonstrate an understanding of the differences from the traditional software development models 1.2 Investigate and demonstrate understanding of the types of online resources 1.3 Investigate and demonstrate understanding of the types of project documentation 1.4 Recognise and demonstrate understanding of the role of an online community and international collaboration 1.5 Examine and demonstrate understanding of motivational factors for contributors to open-source code 1.6 Analyse and demonstrate understanding of open-source licensing models |
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2. Familiarise with target project |
2.1 Examine online resources associated with the target project 2.2 Download pre-built executable binaries to install and run project 2.3 Download, read and demonstrate understanding of supporting documentation |
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3. Prepare for maintenance activities |
3.1 Select and register with a relevant online community open-source group 3.2 Download nightly snapshots of latest source code and supporting documentation 3.3 Build and execute snapshot where appropriate |
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4. Maintain code |
4.1 Access the project bug database and select bugs to be resolved or features to be added 4.2 Make changes to local copy of code to resolve selected bugs 4.3 Test resulting code to ensure it performs appropriately 4.4 Prepare code patch for submission 4.5 Submit code patch to project 4.6 Use appropriate software-development tools and environment |
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5. Maintain documentation |
5.1 Access project documentation 5.2 Prepare and contribute new information or updates to existing documentation 5.3 Prepare and submit documentation changes to project |
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6. Participate in community |
6.1 Exchange messages with other project members and actively participate in community activities 6.2 Take action to ensure exchanges are socially acceptable 6.3 Submit code and documentation code patches for inclusion 6.4 Access online project resources frequently to keep up-to-date with project and community developments 6.5 Take action to ensure community-participation standards are observed and maintained |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
- analytical skills to:
- apply some of the latest information technology tools and techniques
- evaluate and compare a range of open-source tools and components to use in software development and maintenance
- communication skills to:
- discuss issues with global peers
- participate effectively in discussions on a number of information technology issues
- participate in volatile communities of interest
- initiative and enterprise skills to:
- apply information technology knowledge and skills in a multidisciplinary environment
- participate in open-source projects
- literacy skills to:
- read and interpret complex technical and non-technical information from a range of sources
- write a clearly structured document or update existing documentation
- problem-solving skills to choose the best solution for a particular context
- research skills to identify and locate possible sources of required information for a target project
- technical skills to:
- build existing software projects from source
- create and maintain code
- use basic language syntax and layout, data structures, arrays and standard algorithms
- test and debug code at a high level.
Required knowledge
- detailed knowledge of:
- debugging and testing techniques
- documentation techniques, including internal documentation, user guides and technical documentation
- open-source development methodology
- overview knowledge of online project communities.
Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure access to:
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Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support. In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
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Software may include: |
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Online resources may include: |
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Documentation may follow: |
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Online community may include: |
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Licensing models may include: |
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Software-development tools may include: |
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Socially acceptable should be: |
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Online project may include: |
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Community-participation standards may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Programming and software development
