Open Platform to code, run, test, learn & teach Python OpShin Smart Contract

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tim Nguyen

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Vu Lan Phuong

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

• Develop a platform support run, test, and auto-judge coding for Opshin (Python). Open to the community for self-generated content
• Develop comprehensive courses, organize competition and hackathons

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The courses, coding problem sets and hackathons will be fully open source and all contributions are welcome.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our idea is to help developers learn Python/OpShin for Cardano smart contracts. Many developers want to use their Python skills for Cardano, but there aren't many resources to teach and practice at the same platform

So, we're building a learning platform where anyone can contribute courses, interactive exercises, code snippets, and real-world examples. Our cloud-based IDE and auto-grading features will make learning Python/OpShin for Cardano smart contracts fun more efficient. This collaborative approach will give developers a structured learning path, hands-on practice opportunities, and a deeper understanding of the subject.

Our platform is for anyone interested in using Python/OpShin for Cardano smart contracts, especially those who already know Python and want to learn about blockchain development.

Since Python is the most popular programming language nowadays, using Python to develop smart contract is a smart choice to help reaching out maximum numbers of developers and minimize learning curve. This project aims to make the developer onboarding process even easier by providing comprehensive courses, interactive coding exercises and organizing hackathons in an integrated platform that supports run, test, and auto-judge coding problems.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project builds a collaborative learning platform for Python/OpShin smart contracts, boosting the Cardano community in three ways:

• Lowering Entry Barriers: all-in-one platform integrates learning materials, interactive coding exercises, and a cloud-based IDE, making it easier to learn Python/OpShin for Cardano smart contracts
• Expanding Developer Pool: More skilled developers contribute to a richer Cardano smart contract ecosystem.
• Enhancing Developer Skills: Practical knowledge empowers developers to build complex, secure smart contracts.

Measuring Success

We'll track key metrics to gauge impact:

• Completion Rates: Course completion rates measure learning effectiveness.
• Pass Rate: Number of users who achieved a passing score on the final exam
• User Feedback & Activity: Surveys and forum engagement assess user experience and community collaboration.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

We already have a working platform & process, and also have released an interactive Aiken course already at danolearn.com. And we also have very experienced development team both in Web2 and Web3 (danogo.io).

The platform was funded in Fund11 and several tests/hackathons have already organized.

For this project, we will an engine to support Python OpShin code, similar to the Aiken engine we did in the previous project. And all of these engines will be avaible in the same learning system (danolearn.com) for unified user experience.

Another portion of the works for this proposal are for creating the course contents (lessons, quizzes and coding problems) and hackathons. We have internal developer team (10+) that can contribute to this already, and we will be looking for external contributors also to speed up the progress.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Platform Development & Beta Launch (3 Months)

Milestone outputs:

- Basic learning modules for foundational Python/OpShin smart contract development concepts.

- Cloud-based development environment (IDE) for code practice.

- Successfully launched beta version of the platform for a limited number of testers from the Cardano community.

Acceptance Criteria:

- Basic learning modules provide a solid foundation in Python/OpShin smart contract development.

- Cloud-based IDE functions smoothly and allows users to practice coding.

- Core community features enable basic communication and collaboration among beta testers.

- Platform infrastructure is secure and access is controlled appropriately.

- Beta launch is successful, with the platform functioning as intended for a limited user base.

Evidence of milestone completion

- Platform Prototype Demonstration: A functional demonstration of the platform prototype showcasing its core functionalities and user interface.

- Learning Module Inventory: A documented list of the developed learning modules covering foundational Python/OpShin smart contract concepts.

- Beta Testing Report: A report summarizing the beta testing process, including participant feedback and identified areas for improvement.

Milestone 2: Course Content Creation (3 Months)

Milestone outputs:

- Comprehensive Learning Library: A complete library of high-quality learning materials encompassing the entire Python/OpShin smart contract development learning path.

- Content will be delivered in a variety of formats, including: Text tutorials with clear explanations and code examples, Engaging video lectures to enhance understanding, Interactive quizzes and coding exercises to solidify learning and assess progress.

- Coding Exercises Integrated: Each learning session will have its own coding exercise, allowing students to: practice applying newly acquired concepts in a hands-on environment and receive immediate feedback to identify and correct errors.

Acceptance Criteria:

- The learning material library is comprehensive and covers all aspects of Python/OpShin smart contract development.

- Content is well-structured, informative, engaging, and caters to diverse learning preferences.

- Increased User Engagement: A minimum of 100 developers sign up for the courses on the platform.

- Meaningful Completion Rate: At least 50% of enrolled developers actively engage with the learning materials and complete a significant portion of the courses (e.g., 75% of modules or exercises).

Evidence of milestone completion

- Content Inventory Report: A comprehensive report detailing the created learning materials, including format breakdown and topic coverage.

- User Engagement Report: Data demonstrating the number of developers who have signed up and actively engaged with the course content (completion rates for modules, exercises, etc.).

Milestone 3: Hackathon Organization (3 Months)

Milestone outputs:

- A well-organized hackathon focused on building Cardano smart contracts using the learning platform and the created course content.

- Successful execution of the hackathon with active participation from Cardano developers.

- Gather feedback and bug reports from hackathon participants to identify areas for platform and content improvement.

- Refine the platform and learning materials based on hackathon feedback.

Acceptance Criteria:

- The hackathon is successfully conducted, attracting a significant number of Cardano developer participants (At least 100 developer)

- The platform functions effectively during the hackathon, supporting smart contract development activities.

- A substantial amount of valuable feedback and bug reports are collected from hackathon participants.

Evidence of milestone completion

- Hackathon Report: A comprehensive report detailing the hackathon's organization, participant numbers, key activities, and overall results.

- User Feedback Analysis: A report analyzing the collected feedback and bug reports from hackathon participants, highlighting key themes and actionable insights.

Final Milestone: Platform Launch & Community Building (2 Months)

Milestone Outputs:

- Fully Functional Platform Launch: A complete and robust version of the Cardano smart contract learning platform is officially launched for the wider developer community.

- Community Building Initiatives: Weekly Challenges: Introduce engaging, ongoing "Weekly Coding Challenges" that leverage Python/OpShin smart contract development concepts.

- Incentive Programs: Consider implementing incentive programs (e.g., badges, recognition) to motivate platform participation and challenge completion.

Acceptance Criteria:

- Content Accessibility: The platform's learning materials are readily accessible to the community, well-organized, and easy to navigate.

- Community Growth & Engagement: A significant number of developers register and actively engage with the platform (e.g., forum discussions, code challenges).

- Positive User Feedback: User feedback gathered through surveys or forums reflects a positive experience and satisfaction with the platform's features and learning content.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

- Platform Launch Announcement: Public announcement of the platform's official launch, outlining its functionalities and user benefits.

- Community Engagement Report: Data demonstrating user registration growth, platform activity levels (forum discussions, challenge participation), and overall community engagement.

- User Feedback Report: Analysis of user feedback collected through surveys or forum discussions, highlighting user experience and suggestions for improvement

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Tim Nguyen (Technical Architect & Lead), he is also the Tech Lead of the danolearn.com in Fund11

Vu Lan Phuong (Product Manager & Community Lead)

Our internal developers (10+) to complete the development and contribute in the contents for courses and hackathons.

We will be looking for external contributors to the contents also.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Most of the 60k ADA requested will be used as rewards for content creators, course finishers and hackathon winners.

We will cover the cost for development, marketing and operation by ourselves. A small portion (10-30%) of the fund will be given to the development team as additional bonuses.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

70-90% off the fund received will go out to ecosystem to build the open problem set and grow Cardano developers community.

10-30% of the fund will be given to the development team as additional bonuses. Main cost for development, marketing & operation is covered ourselves.