WebVM logo in a screen

WebVM:The hackathon!

Join the terminal tools challenge!

11th - 14th October, 2024

WebVM: The hackathon is a global hybrid event open to all developers! Dive into the world of terminal-based solutions by leveraging CheerpX, a WebAssembly-powered tool for executing x86 binaries on the browser. Let your creativity flow and showcase your coding skills in this exciting event.

WebVM: the hackathon is an event organised with love by Leaning Technologies in partnership with Helix (@UoL) and Codam Coding College.

How Does it all work?

In a nutshell: assemble your tech squad together, immerse yourself in a tech project frenzy for a whole weekend. The winner team gets a sweet 500 GBP gift card! And just in case you need more guidance, here's a detailed walkthrough explained using adorable cats 🐱💻🚀.

Wizzard cat in the mountains

Adventure directions

If you find yourself lost in the boundless possibilities of CheerpX, fear not. Here are some guiding lights to illuminate your hackathon odyssey and give you some direction about all the cool things you can create during this event.

  • In-browser development environments: running native development tools (compilers, interpreters, etc.) client-side, with no need for cloud infrastructure.
  • Client-server applications running both components in the browser: using CheerpX and its Tailscale integration to run application clients and servers on the same browser, or on multiple browsers
  • Linux virtual machines for educational and training purposes in security, operating systems, etc.
  • Vintage video games and applications: terminal games, terminal applications or software archeology.
  • Web applications that include native library components.
  • All the above can be terminal-based or you can create a fancy web UI!

The step by step

Cats in a box

Step 1: Find your squad

Gather your friends and colleagues, and get ready to dive into the challenge. Teams can range from 2 to 5 members.

Are you a lone coder flying solo? No worries! Connect with potential team members in our Discord server or on-site during the opening day! Ptss, pro-tip: Enrich your squad by bringing in folks with diverse skill sets such as programming, UX, graphic design, front-end, and more!

cat typing

Step 2: Registration time is here!

To sign up your team, head over to the registration channel in our Discord Server and drop us a message with the following details:

  • Team name
  • Team leader: Discord username (tag it with @)
  • Team members: Discord usernames (tag them with @)
  • Server channels: Do you want your own exclusive team's text and voice channels in this server? (Yes/No)

Registrations are now open and will close on Friday 11th of October 17:00 UK time.

Once we get your message, we'll shoot back a confirmation and set up your own exclusive text and voice channels! Let the games begin! 🚀🎮

Ticket

Step 3: Secure your spot at the venue

This event offers a hybrid experience - you can fully engage online or, if you fancy, join us at one of our two vibrant in-person locations in Amsterdam (Codam students only), or Leeds, UK (open to everyone!).

To snag your spot, each attendee should grab a free individual ticket on Eventbrite. Remember, space is limited, so if you reserve, be sure to show up!

UFO

Step 4: Dive into the hands-on weekend adventure!

On the event's kick-off day (Friday, October 11th, 2024), we'll unveil the hackathon theme that will spark your creativity. Stay tuned on Discord for the big reveal—it could be a single word, several keywords, or a catchy phrase!

Whether you're joining us in-person or fully online, fear not! We've got your back with technical support through our dedicated Discord channel.

Wizard cat

Step 5: Submit your creation!

It's showtime, folks! Each team must submit their masterpiece by the deadline — any late submissions will sadly be left in the dust.

To throw your project into the ring, simply drop a message in the submission channel with the following deets:

  • Team Name (which should already be registered)
  • Team members (just in case someone bails on you!)
  • Public Github repository URL with a stellar project description in your readme.txt
  • If your project's up and running, toss in the deployment URL (like GitHub pages or another platform)
  • Spice it up with a presentation file sporting 1-2 juicy slides
Cat in a shoe

Step 6: Await Judgement Day

Get ready for the big reveal! Our judges will meticulously review each submission. Stay tuned for the results on Discord and our website on November 10th. Best of luck to everyone!

Standout projects earn a prime spot on our documentation site. Who knows, your creation might even star in a blog post, showcasing your journey. And, the cherry on top? The first-place winner walks away with a fabulous 500 GBP prize! 🏆

For more useful information and guidance, don't forget to read the docs or ask any technical questions on our Discord Server.

Calendar

Agenda

Please consider this agenda is subject to change, stay tuned!

Friday 11/October/2024

UK Time NL Time Event On-site Discord
10:00 11:00 Reception Venue opens Welcome Message
10:30 11:30 Welcome talk Welcome message Welcome video
11:00 12:00 Team building In-person dynamic Online dynamic
12:00 13:00 Theme revelation in-person Hackathon announcements channel
12:15 13:15 Lunch break Food & soft drinks -
13:00 14:00 Work starts Work at the venue Support starts
16:00 17:00 End of day Closing remarks Support ends
17:00 18:00 Registration ends Venue closes Registration channel is disabled

Saturday 12/October/2024

UK Time NL Time Event On-site Discord
11:00 - 16:00 12:00 - 17:00 Technical support (venue is closed) Online support

Sunday 13/October/2024

UK Time NL Time Event On-site Discord
11:00 - 16:00 12:00 - 17:00 Technical support (venue is closed) Online support

Monday 14/October/2024

UK Time NL Time Event On-site Discord
10:00 11:00 Submission opens Venue opens Submission channel is active, technical support starts
12:00 13:00 Lunch break Food & soft drinks -
14:45 15:45 Submissions close - Submissions channel is disabled
15:00 16:00 Projects presentations 5min talks by volunteers -
16:00 17:00 Closing remarks Closing talk Closing message

Winning team will be announced on November 10th, 2024 🏆

Judging panel

Alessandro Pignotti

Alessandro Pignotti

Chief Technology Officer

Leaning Technologies

Martin Nyaga

Martin Nyaga

Lead Software Developer

DRS Software

Jules Saarikoski

Jules Saarikoski

Compilers Software Engineer

Leaning Technologies

Luca Invernizzi

Luca Invernizzi

Research Scientist Manager

Google

Rule book

Rules of the game

Just like a perfectly executed code, a game isn't the same without its rules. Delve into these commandments with the precision of a seasoned developer and make sure to stay looped in with them.

  • Project submissions must be made in the form of a GitHub public repository to the submissions Discord channel.
  • There should be no further commits after the deadline; otherwise, the submission will not be accepted.
  • If you intend to continue working on your project after the deadline, please fork your repository.
  • All projects must incorporate CheerpX.
  • In case of using third-party components, ensure the proper licensing and give due credit to the authors.
  • If generative AI is utilized in the project, appropriate credits must be provided.
  • The submitted repository should not have more than 5 contributors.
  • The winning team will receive a total reward of £500 in form of a gift card. Splitting the prize between members will be the team's responsibility.
  • The judges reserve the right to disqualify projects that do not align with human rights, or promote violence, hate, discrimination, or disrupt moral values.

Ready, steady, go!