Hikato - Coding Application

[Hikato]

Byond ID:
- Hikato

Age:
- 26

Gender:
- Male

How would you define yourself? (Coder, Mapper, Spriter):
- Coder, Basic Mapper

If Coder, what languages?
- DM, PHP, SQL, RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) Tool Scripting

Any previous experience developing with SS13?
- I was a part of the original OpenSS13 project.

Proof of any previous or current work:
- To re-familiarize myself with the code base, I'm working on small fixes to VG, which can be seen from my github account. (https://github.com/hikato) I've also done other projects in the past, such as the original OpenSS13 (which the repository I worked with is long gone). Currently, I am working to improve on Xirre's Shell Server platform (now TinyShell), which is a BYOND Hosting Service. I also do scripting daily for work with our RMM Platform.

How well do you know Git?
- Enough to get things done.

Your primary job is server development, not policing the server. You may be given Moderator-level of access but you should *not* be invoking any administrative actions unless there are no moderators or Admins online. Do you understand? (Yes/No)
- Yes.

Anything else you'd like to add?
- I've been around BYOND since 2001 (on my original key), and playing SS13 since 2003-2004. I know most of the original history, including how the official Open Source SS13 began (which was approved partly because of me). I am actively playing on many different servers to learn mechanics from the player perspective.

[SnipeDragon]

Hikato is one of my best friends who I have known for 12 years now, he is a solid programmer with a very strong work ethic. Because of this however, I will not give a +/-1.

I will however ask a question. Hikato, why would you want to work on CM over any other SS13 codebase?

[Hikato]

Thank you, I do appreciate your opinions, SnipeDragon.

As I have played SS13 for quite some time, I, for the most part, know quite a bit about the game. Of course, throughout the years, it has changed quite a bit. Most servers do their own thing, but CM did something different. It immediately grabbed me in like no other server has. The intensity and the rush of some of the rounds, well, that's incredible. The game draws you in, and I feel that small improvements (whether it be UI, mechanics, or efficiency, which I am a huge sucker for) can make it that much better of an experience, and I'd love to be a part of that.

[forwardslashN]

Thank you for showing interest, and I can see that you have a lot of experience with SS13. Since you're pretty familiar with a lot of the servers and such, can you name a specific feature that you enjoy on a different server and explain why? Details are preferred. How would you rate the following list from the least important to most important, and why: code clarity, code cohesion, code stability, and code performance. With the same idea in mind, how would you rate the following list: new features, improvements to old features, features bugfixes, and player satisfaction?

[Hikato]

I think the biggest feature that I like is something across all servers. There is a great balance of cooperation between departments, and that is present on CM, as well. It is very possible to be a well oiled machine, whether you are working the medical department, on the front lines, or even on the supplies and command side. Each department can provide their assistance to a greater goal, and I'm sure with the research update that I've read about, that will hopefully add the Researcher into that circle. I know this isn't really a "feature", but it is something that SS13 has greatly lacked in the past, so it's the thing that excites me the most about the game today.

It's hard to rate what is more important when writing code. Cohesion is probably top of the list. You want your additions to be easily understood in the chance you are collaborating with another or your work needs to be continued in the future. At the same time, you can write everything as neat as can be, but it may perform poorly or cause stability issues (whether it be server or gameplay). This is also why working with a team is wonderful, you can always ask for a second opinion when in need. I try to be as forward thinking as possible when writing, so I'll fine tune as best I can until I am satisfied.

I'm a sysadmin at heart, so I put bug fixes towards the top of the list. Player satisfaction will follow that closely, because I'm sure everyone is aware, nobody likes to play with bugs, especially those that cause instability or potentially ruin a round. As for features, new and old can somewhat go hand-in-hand and there has to be a balance. Sometimes the best new features are the improvements added to the old, and you can usually count on the players to let you know what they prefer.

Thank you for your time, and I hope I was able to adequately answer your questions!

[Jdobbin49]

Now I'm no coder but from what I heard this guy seems pretty darn good, I was talking with him for a fair amount of time on discord and he really seemed to know what he was talking about.

[forwardslashN]

I have sent you a test via PM, all instructions included.

[SnipeDragon]

I'll speak with forwardslashN about the results of your test, based on his answer, I'll poke Rahlzel about this application.

[apophis775]

I've talked this over with the dev staff, and we are going to accept you. PM when you can for access to the Git and Slack.

[Hikato]

I've talked this over with the dev staff, and we are going to accept you. PM when you can for access to the Git and Slack.

Awesome! Thanks, Apop. PM'd ya.

Looking forward to working with you all, thanks for the support and opportunity.

[SecretStamos (Joshuu)]

Can't wait to work with you!

[Hikato]

Can't wait to work with you!

LIkewise! Thanks.