Frequently Asked Questions

q: What is the MVCMelee?
a: MVCMelee is the brainchild of JP Toto and Sara Chipps who were inspired by the Rails Rumble to create a similarly themed competition using the ASP.NET MVC framework. Teams have 48 hours to create the most kick-ass MVC application they can. The public votes. Prizes are awarded. The goal of the competition is to generate interest in using ASP.NET MVC since it promotes a clean separation of concerns, testability, and good web development.

q: This smells an awful lot like Rails Rumble...
a: It should! MVCMelee is based heavily on Rails Rumble. We are huge fans of RR and we designed this competition with many of the RR rules in mind. In fact some of the rules are identical. We're VERY thankful to the Rails Rumble team for blazing a trail and inspiring us to create MVCMelee!

q: Isn't this just a Microsoft engineered marketing ploy?
a: No. Microsoft may help sponsor but is in no way running the competition. This is a purely community driven event and will remain that way.

q: Can we use Webforms?
a: No.

q: Why?
a: Webforms is the fat kid in elementary school who sat in the back of the class and ate paste. Seriously, this is called MVC Melee, not Webform Wiggle. If you'd like to have a Webform contest please feel free to drag and drop your own.

q: Where is the competition held?
a: Everywhere! Teams can be located anywhere they have internet access. You could be sitting in your mom's basement. We don't care. Having said that, coding is most fun when it's done with other people. Please see this list (forthcoming) for coworking spaces that are participating in MVCMelee. Your team may be able to camp out at a local coworking location for the weekend!

q: What operating system will our account be running?
a: Each team will have a shared account on a Windows 2008 R2 instance with IIS 7.5.

q: What database can we use? Does it have to be SQL Server?
a: You are free to use whatever database you like, as long as it's free. A SQL Server database will be offered through the hosting account as a relational database option. If you'd like to use a document database like Mongo, Counch, or even SQLite you are free to do so.

q: Do we have to use IoC? ORM? Other acronyms?
a: Nope. There are no architecture restrictions except to say that you cannot use commercial libraries, controls, or imagery.

q: When does registration open?
a: Registration will open on or about May 1st-ish.

q: What qualifications do I need to compete?
a: Obviously you should have serviceable ASP.NET MVC skills. C# or VB would be a good idea too although there is nothing stopping you from using IronRuby. You'll also need to have a firm grasp of source control management, either Git or Subversion.

q: Can I use a Continuous Integration server?
a: We're not going to try and stop you from using your own CI server, however, make sure you know what you're doing because you are the ones ultimately responsible for your application. If you design a nifty CI process make sure it is compatible with the method by which you need to deploy apps to the competition server.

q: How do I help judge applications?
a: Easy! Just create an account on MVCMelee.com When public judging opens, you'll receive an email letting you know it's time to put your critical pants on and get with the clicking.

q: Where will our source code be hosted?
a: All source code will be hosted with our partner repository provider where both Git and Subversion are supported.

q: If my company is a sponsor, can I still compete in the competition?
a: Sure!

q: Can I use third party plugins, libraries, icons, images, etc?
a: You are OK to use anything that is freely available. There are lots of great free libraries, icon sets, web services, and stock images that are perfectly legal to use. You may NOT purchase any of the above - especially if it was designed to be used specifically for your MVCMelee competition application

q: Can I use any libraries or code that I've developed previously?
a: Yes, as long as you didn't design it specifically for the competition ahead of time. If you have a common set of libraries and common functions that you've developed over the years you are free to use them.

q: What can I prepare BEFORE the competition starts?
a: You are free to plan and design (on paper) your application but you may NOT produce ANY digital assets or mockups before the competition starts. If we see you've checked in a whole bunch of code an hour after the competition starts, we'll know something is up and we'll drop the hammer on you.

q: My company wants to help sponsor the MVCMelee. Who do we talk to?
a: Great! Please contact us at mvcmelee at gmail.com.

q: Who should we talk to about press or media relations?
a: You can get in touch with us at mvcmelee at gmail.com.