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+--- Thread: Need a challenge? (/thread-794.html)
Need a challenge? - sparkz_alot - Nov-06-2016
Just ran across an interesting site by the US government whereby a user can contribute to or create open source software projects used by various agencies. There were two Python projects, one for the Environmental Protection Agency, the other the Treasury Department. If you have proficiency in other languages, check out the other agencies.
The site is located here (apparently still in beta): https://code.gov/#/
RE: Need a challenge? - metulburr - Nov-06-2016
I take this as a new alternative version control system? Im not sure if it has yet to be converted or not...but every repo i look at is a link to github. It looks more like a website that lists their software on github.
RE: Need a challenge? - sparkz_alot - Nov-06-2016
From what I gather, it is the governments way of moving more towards open source (hence github) and consolidating numerous closed source programs that duplicate each other across agencies. So instead of Agency A and Agency B having their own software that does the same thing, there would just be one program that could be used by both. I read the government spends approximately $6 billion dollars a year on software, if they can cut that cost in half, I have no doubt my taxes will go down significantly
. I don't imagine if you are getting a slice of that $6 billion pie, you're going to be happy though
RE: Need a challenge? - Larz60+ - Nov-06-2016
There are some tremendous databases that are in the public domain.
The Census Tiger files are a great example.
They're the basis for every mapping software that's out there, and have
been around since the 1990's. Back then they were point to point polygons
and thus called Tiger Line Files. Today they are ESRI compatible shapefiles.
Also there are several Food databases avail from the FDA
Canada has some also, and I bet you'll find some from other countries.
The patent office has databases for every patent ever issued, and
also public pair (patent applications that are public)
Included are all the litigation that has ever been filed.
lots of stuff - I want to play with it all, and therefore need another 100 years.
RE: Need a challenge? - sparkz_alot - Nov-06-2016
(Nov-06-2016, 03:26 PM)Larz60+ Wrote: lots of stuff - I want to play with it all, and therefore need another 100 years.
You got it, and if anyone gives you grief, tell 'em I said it was o.k.
RE: Need a challenge? - metulburr - Nov-06-2016
(Nov-06-2016, 03:23 PM)sparkz_alot Wrote: I read the government spends approximately $6 billion dollars a year on software, if they can cut that cost in half, I have no doubt my taxes will go down significantlyIt would probably get pocketed by politicians instead.
