Re: Lilypond developing: getting started

[Han-Wen Nienhuys]

Kieren Richard MacMillan schreef:
> Right now, I'm finishing up a big commission (a chamber opera), and have 
> two more coming down the pipe. However, I would like to start in to 
> helping the Lilypond codebase in any way I can, immediately upon 
> completing the current score (should be in about two weeks).
>
> In order to prepare for that, I have a few preliminary questions...  =)
>
> 1. How much of the code is in C++, and how much in Scheme? Does the 
> roadmap see this balance changing in any way, and if so in what 
> direction? [n.b. I have very little experience with either C++ or Scheme 
> specifically.]

Most of the code still is C++, but it uses Scheme heavily for 
infrastructure. In terms of line count, it's 80% C++ and 20% Scheme, but 
Scheme is much more compact than C++. C++ will probably be more familiar 
for someone with Java experience.

> 2. Consequently, can I get away with learning one or the other, and if 
> so which one would you prefer I learn? In other words, where would my 


> learning curve best be applied, given the needs of Lilypond development 
> over the next few months (and possibly years)?.

I don't know what will happen with Lily development, we don't have a plan :)

> 3. I would probably also be willing to take on the Newsletter Editor 
> position (but I do want to roll up my sleeves and actually do some 
> bit-pushing as well) -- is there an opportunity for me to start to learn 
> some of the internal workings of Lilypond as a result of "editing the 
> newsletter"?

I think it's not really the best task to get acquainted with the internals.

However, if you want to learn, it's easier to start with a goal, and 
start to work from there.  For example, there is currently a nasty 
backlog of bugreports. You could try your hand at fixing a simple bug. 
That's often a good way to learn your way around the code as well.

Also, there is still a lot of work to be done on the website (which is 
python based ATM), and probably a lot less intimidating than LilyPond. 
Pedro Kroeger recently studied the source code, he might also be able to 
give you pointers.

--

Han-Wen Nienhuys - address@hidden - http://www.xs4all.nl/~hanwen

LilyPond Software Design
 -- Code for Music Notation
http://www.lilypond-design.com