GSoC 2009 Complete ODT Import/Export by atmb4u

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Abstract

This project aims at implementing complete ODT files import (i.e. enable the import of ODT files as files, not just as formatted text). This is achieved by using a plug-in to import ODT file. Export will as be taken into consideration while designing the import.


Motivation

ODT is a univeral open word processing format which is very popular making essential to be imported into the Scribus. Scribus makes desktop publishing with free and open software possible, and I found it necessary to import ODT files directly into the workspace, for making it work better.


Objectives

Complete ODT import and, if time permits, export for Scribus via plug-ins.

Document the plug-ins correctly and neatly.


Challenges

The major challenges that will be faced during the implementation of this project are

  • Reading ODT files.
  • Extracting graphics, tables and formulas and if necessary convert them to a format that can be used by Scribus (e.g. SVG).
  • Open an ODT in the workspace by converting it to a Scribus document


The Plan

  • First decode (read the XML) the ODT files.
  • Convert the graphics in the ODT to SVGs and read the text content in the ODT.
  • Make the entire imported thing into a frame inside the document, which will be scalable, pan-able and editable.


Time Line

Following is the detailed road map of implementing the project.


  • Phase I – Gather it up

April 28-May 08 – Understand the XML formatting of ODT files. Read the documentation of Scribus completely, especially more about how to program Scribus. Communicate with mentors and clear basic doubts about the project.

  • Phase II –Rip him off

May 08-May 17 –Design the structure of the plug-in and discuss its structure on IRC nad mailing list.

  • Phase III – Code him out

May 18- May 20 –Open the ODT files using a newly created plug-in from the Scribus.

-Convert the graphics in the ODT to SVGs and read the text content in the ODT.

May 20- May 28 – Testing -Phase I

May 29- July 18 – Make the entire imported thing into a frame inside the document, which will be scalable, pan-able and editable.

  • Phase IV - Fix It

July 18 -July 28- Testing and Debugging Phase II.

July 29 - August 7 – Complete the coding and sync the entire project.

  • Phase V – Pack Up

August 7-August 17 – Complete the documentation and completely comment up the code (Clean Coding).

Note: Timeline doesn't include interaction with the mentor every day.


Project Outcomes

The expected outcomes of this project are as follows:

  • ODT files can be imported with basic contents and to be expanding the support as time allows with a minimum guarantee for text,images,tables and formulas in ODT files to be imported into Scribus.(Not a complete ODT importer, which would be too large to be fit in the limited time frame of GSoC 2009.)
  • Proper documentation of the functionality and the code.


Mentor

Tsoots has agreed to mentor my project if I got selected. He is one of the administrative level experienced personalities in Scribus community.


About Me

Name: Anoop Thomas Mathew

IRC Nick: atmb4u

Email ID: atmb4u@gmail.com

Location: Kerala, India

Timezone : GMT + 5:30


I am Anoop Thomas Mathew, and am currently studying for B. Tech degree in Computer Science and Engineering, at College of Engineering, Chengannur, Kerala, INDIA.

I have been using GNU/Linux for the past 5 years, starting off with RHEL 4.

I have good knowledge in C, C++, Java and Python, and I've been into coding in them for the past 5 years.

I am a member of FSF since 3 years and had fixied a few bugs in the Vim text editor. I am in the VIM development mailing list for more than one year. I don’t have any previous experience with Scribus, but I hope to work with Scribus through GSoC 2009.


Why Me???

I am hardworking to attain a purticular goal.

My mentor will be able to communicate with me at any time he wish, I will be available, 24x7.

I have experience in being with persons in other time zones.

I am open, looking forward to constructive criticisms, which I found in Scribus irc (#scribus and #scribus-dev channels at freenode.net).