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FOSDEM PWA

Reducing Technical Debt with Reproducible Shell Workflows: The BCM5719 OSS Firmware as a Case Study.

UD2.208 (Decroly) | Day 1 | 17:30 - 17:55 | Speakers: Hugo Cornelis, Colin Evrard

Reducing Technical Debt with Reproducible Shell Workflows: The BCM5719 OSS Firmware as a Case Study.
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Notes

Abstract

We introduce a workflow engine that automates and documents complex shell-based tasks in software development. By capturing command sequences as reproducible workflows, the tool reduces technical debt and significantly facilitates maintenance across long-lived projects.

Common use cases include wrapping Yocto and Buildroot builds, automating Linux kernel testing and debugging, and supporting routine IT, network, and infrastructure operations.

In this interactive talk, we demonstrate (live) how the tool:

  • builds and documents a more general procedure of cross-compiling the Open Source Software firmware for Broadcom's bcm5719 NIC chip than currently available,

  • automates generating PDF documentation of this procedure,

  • facilitates sharing this procedure and its documentation in a public or commercial context.

Attendees will learn how to transform hard-to-follow shell scripts into reproducible workflows that produce better documentation and improve collaboration.

Speakers

Hugo Cornelis

I worked for twenty years in science and developed the presented workflow tool to improve reproducibility in computation sciences.

I am now working as an embedded software engineer.

Colin Evrard

After a quick tour in the image compression industry and in academic research, I'm now pursuing embedded software adventure at Leuven with Mind OSS.

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