YOUR CHALLENGE

Create a Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) extension that helps developers create, test, deploy, etc. Java apps. Or, create a Java app using Visual Studio Team Services Eclipse plugin (aka Team Explorer Everywhere) or JetBrains IntelliJ plugin.

What type of Java app or extension should I build?

There are no limits to what you can build for the Java Tools Challenge. Here are some ideas to get your started:

  • Integrations. Have a Java developer tool or extension that you want integrated with one of our Visual Studio products? The Java Tools Challenge is your chance to build that integration.
  • Functionality. Wish Visual Studio would support your Java development? The Java Tools Challenge is your chance to extend our products and help Java development teams work even smarter.
  • Existing App or Extension. Already have a Java app that runs on the Visual Studio Team Services Eclipse plugin (aka Team Explorer Everywhere) or JetBrains IntelliJ plugin? Consider building a version for the Java Tools Challenge. Or have a Visual Studio plugin or extension for Java development that you've built for your team? The Java Tools Challenge is a great way to share it with the Java developer community.
  • Solutions. Is there an industry or business team that would benefit from the customization of our products? Help these teams unleash their potential by building a Java app for the Java Tools Challenge. 
  • Thousands of developers have developed apps and extensions for the Visual Studio platform. For some inspiration, checkout some of the products that have been published on our Visual Studio Marketplace. 

Everyone that submits a qualified entry receives a cool Java Tools Challenge t-shirt AND the first 250 qualified submissions also get 10 VSTS User Licenses!

Eligibility

This challenge is open to:

  • Individuals (who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry)
  • Teams of eligible individuals
  • Organizations (up to 50 employees)
  • Large Organizations (with over 50 employees) may compete only for the non-cash Large Organization Recognition Awards.
  • Employees of Large Organizations (with over 50 employees) are eligible as long as they enter the competition independent of their company and meet all other requirements.

Employees of Microsoft, Devpost, and contractors currently under contract work for Microsoft or Devpost are not eligible.

If you are employed by a public sector organization, please review the rules pertaining to prize fulfillment to a public sector organization employee.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$80,900 in prizes

Best Overall

Best overall extension or app.

$10,000 cash
VSPP Premier Membership 1yr ($10,000 value)
Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 Qty=3 ($18,000 value)
Featured product listing on VS Marketplace

Best VSTS Extension

Best VSTS extension for Java app developers.

$1,500 cash
Surface Pro 4 ($1,500 value)
Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

Best Mobile App

Best Android app built using Java with VSTS and Eclipse or IntelliJ plugins for VSTS.

$1,500 cash
Surface Pro 4 ($1,500 value)
Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

Best App

Best app built using Java with VSTS and Eclipse or IntelliJ plugins for VSTS.

$1,500 cash
Surface Pro 4 ($1,500 value)
Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

Best Runner-up Extension

Best runner-up VSTS extension.

$1,500 cash
Surface Pro 4 ($1,500 value)
Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

Second Runner Up Extension

Oculus Rift ($750 value) and Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

Qualified Submissions (15)

All qualified submissions will receive a cool Java Tools Challenge t-shirt.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

How to enter

  1. “Register” to access the submission form, receive important communications, and form teams.
  2. Build an awesome VSTS extension for Java developers or a Java app using the VSTS plugin for Eclipse or IntelliJ.
  3. Visit the Resources pages for VSTS extensions, Visual Studio Team Services Eclipse plugin (aka Team Explorer Everywhere), and JetBrains IntelliJ plugin.
  4. Submit your VSTS extensions to the Visual Studio Marketplace.
  5. Shoot a demo video and/or take screenshots of your functioning app. 
  6. Create your submission on DevPost with a) Your extension/app name, b) VS Marketplace URL or link to your Java App in the "Website URL" field, and c) Banner image for your extension/app via the image uploader.
  7. Submit early! (You can edit your submission as many times as you want before the deadline.)

Judges

Paul Barham

Paul Barham
Principal Program Manager

Brian Harry

Brian Harry
Corporate VP, Developer Division

Brian Benz

Brian Benz
Sr. PM Cross-Platform and Open Tools

David Stahle

David Stahle
Software Development Manager

Judging Criteria

  • Usefulness
    Is your app or extension solving a real problem developers have?
  • Innovation
    Is your app or extension creative and unique given the other apps and extensions in the market?
  • Quality
    Does the app or extension function as expected? Is it free of bugs?
  • Design
    Is the UI intuitive and the description informative including useful screenshots?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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