Date: 2008-03-26 07:49 Subject: Easter Challenge 2008 (MySQL) - continued Security: Public

Just before the Easter holidays I posted this challenge for a MySQL schema. For lack of submissions to far, I'll leave it open for a little bit longer.

Perhaps you reckon the challenge sucks ;-) In that case please comment and tell why! That'd be good feedback. Otherwise, do take a stab at it. If you did and got stuck, comment about this too. Then others can help and move it forward.

Date: 2008-03-26 07:53 Subject: MySQL Obfuscator - Google Summer of Code Project up for grabs Security: Public

There was a proposed project of particular interest to me in the MySQL list for Google's Summer of Code, an Obfuscator. This tool would take a schema/dataset and obfuscate it in such a way that it can be posted on forums or submitted to MySQL in a bug or support request, without divulging any sensitive information.

If you're currently a student and want to work on this project and thus be an active part of the Google Summer of Code 2008, apply quickly (before March 31st) through the GSoC student application form and also join the MySQL SoC mailing list!

The Obfuscator link already provides an excellent overview of the requirements. My personal vision for this is even more ambitious ;-)
I would like to find a way to describe an analysed dataset in a short representation, then even very large datasets could be discussed on a forum, and used in bug or support requests. In addition, you could create a representation manually to create a dataset from nothing, which can then be used for testing of a new application!
Like I said... ambitious ;-) But I do think it's possible. Anyway, it can be a next step after the initial task.