"Life" room

Overview
MySQL is a popular open source database system and often used as the backend for Drupal installations. This session will give an overview about different solutions and technologies available to make a MySQL Server system highly available.

After the theoretical part, a practical demonstration of a HA cluster for Drupal will be performed. With the help of Red Hat Cluster Suite, we will build a HA solution using MySQL replication. If time permits, we will then extend the solution to use shared storage device.

Agenda

• Introduction to HA, Terminology and general concepts
• Overview: MySQL HA solutions
• Replication: Topologies
• Heartbeat, Block device replication (DRBD)
• Shared storage/SAN
• MySQL Cluster
• MySQL Proxy
• Open HA Cluster
• Red Hat Cluster Suite (incl. practical demonstration)

Goals
Attendees will gain more insight into how MySQL Server setups can be made more fault-tolerant and how to ensure high availability. The practical part will provide an insight into how the RHEL Cluster Suite works, what you need to build a High Availability solution and configuration basics.

Overview

This session is made for folks that are new to coding in general or new to Drupal coding in particular. We'll start off with some basic discussion about working with Drupal as a framework and what that even means. Then we will go through an overview of how Drupal's framework is set up and the various APIs and systems you can work with. This is specifically targeted at people who do not know what FAPI or a "hook" is and are trying to wrap their head around these new concepts. We'll finish up with community resources to help you on your coding journey. The only prerequisite is a curious mind. You don't have to be a l33t hax0r.

Topics to be covered

- How is coding with Drupal different from plain PHP/MySQL?
- Overview of Drupal code base
- What is a hook?
- What is the theme system?
- What is FAPI?
- What is the menu system?
- What about database stuff?
- Coding standards
- Security
- How to learn/get help

Goals

Give people a strong foundation in Drupal concepts from a code perspective as well as pointers to good resources for continued learning.

Overview
In this session I will show you how to create a small business network on a multi-site Drupal installation. I will be using the small business network within my own community as an example.

In small-town Canada we have seen an increase in the "cottage industry" as people in their 50s cash out of urban centres and move to the country. These micro-enterprise businesses often have only the owner (and their partner) as staff. Although the businesses offer a huge range of services, they have one thing in common--very small budgets. Individually these businesses can rarely afford expert technical support, sophisticated Web sites and beautiful Web design--but with a Drupal-based business network, small businesses can now afford to look like pros on-line.

Agenda

• The Clients
  • developing your client roster (my network includes: farmers, a gourmet restaurant, a bookshop, a naturopathic doctor and a retreat centre)
  • creating self-sufficient clients: training materials; Drupal help nights (my group has nicknamed themselves "The Drupesters")
  • managing expectations (their budget and your time)
• The Business Model
  • you are now a business coach, congratulations!
  • how and how much to charge: tips on appropriate prices
  • reduce, reuse, recycle: you must become efficient
• Technical (Drupal) Information
  • Drupal modules your clients will want
  • using template designs
  • tips on creating and using a multi-site Drupal installation

Goals
By the end of this session I hope that Drupal enthusiasts will see how they can turn too-small-for-me clients into a potential source of income.

Resources
Please come with your stories about how you've used Drupal in your (small business) community.

Overview

So now that you understand the basics of testing, it's time to put that knowledge to the test (heh, heh) -- and win awesome prizes!

This session is a working session for all developers to come and have fun writing tests. If you know any PHP, this session is for you!

Agenda

* All attendees break into pairs.
* Hand-outs with testing instructions will be provided, and experts on hand to run around answering questions.
* Index cards are provided with a list of Drupal core functions on them that lack tests.
* Run up, grab a card, sit down and write a test with your partner.
* When it's done, submit a patch, grab another card.
* Dorky prizes will be given away for things like most tests written, most well-written test ;), craziest function that had to be tested, etc.

Goals

The goal of this session is to provide a fun environment for people to learn the ropes of testing and contributing to core, to work directly with some of the big names in the Drupal community, and possibly to even get some actual work done! ;)

Resources

While not mandatory, you'll have an easier time in this session if you're familiar with the basics of testing. Luckily, Testing, part 1: Intro to testing will give you all the tools you need. :)

Overview
This is the first of two sessions on the use of jQuery in Drupal and will cover basic jQuery syntax and usage. It will also answer questions such as "Why jQuery?", comparing it with other popular js libraries, and provide visual demonstrations of what can be done with it in Drupal modules.

Agenda
* What is jQuery
* Showcase of jQuery functionality
* How do I use it?
* Debugging JavaScript with Firebug

Goals

By the end of this session, attendees will have an understanding of the power of jQuery to enhance the web experience as well as a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of its syntax and usage.

Resources
No prior knowledge of jQuery is needed for this session but an understanding of JavaScript fundamentals would be advantageous.

Overview

The Knight Drupal Initiative (KDI) is an ongoing, open grant funding process for the Drupal open source project. We want to enable more people to enter the digital conversation by lowering the technical barriers to entry. We will provide powerful tools for digital publication, free and open to all. Our goal is to encourage people to improve their communities by supporting the free exchange of information and ideas.

Agenda

* Introduction to the KDI
* Program goals
* How to apply for a grant
* How you can help the KDI
* Project brainstorming and questions

Goals

We want everyone to participate in the KDI, in order to increase funding for the goals of the Drupal project. This session will let you know how you can get involved.

Resources

* KDI group
* Frequently asked questions
* KDI flyer [pdf]