This document describes a Git commit log to CSV time log converter gem. It was created to track development time without timesheets, give transparency to clients, and produce documents for tax credits. The gem extracts time estimates from Git commit logs using assumptions like commits within 3 hours being a single session. It was published on RubyGems following gem creation instructions. The document also provides information on the U.S. R&D Tax Credit and lists some exclusions.
2. Motivation
Save money on taxes by producing
documents required by accountant to
properly apply for certain tax credits
Track development time without
timesheets
Give transparency to business clients by
encouraging more frequent commits
3. Benefits
Developer
Realistic tracking of his or her work
Less opportunity to lose work due to the
encouraged use of GIT
Project Manager
Better time management, tracking, and
auditing
Business Owner
More transparency for their clients
5. Assumptions
A series of commits within 3 hours are
part of the same working session
A first
commit is considered to
represent 30 minutes of working time
Frequent commits increases the
accuracy of the estimated time
8. Making a Gem
Followed along with instructions in
Eloquent Ruby book by Russ Olsen
Instructions also at
http://guides.rubygems.org/make-your-
own-gem/
Used Gemcutter to publish
gem build project.gemspec
gem push project-0.2.1.gem
10. U.S. R&D Tax Credit
As a tax credit it’s better than just a plain
tax deduction
Three Major Tests
1. New or Improved Business Components
2. Technological in Nature
3. Involves Uncertainty
See
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/article/0,,id=156366
,00.html
11. But not … (1 of 2)
Research conducted after the beginning
of commercial production.
Research adapting an existing product
or process to a particular customer’s
need.
Duplication of an existing product or
process.
Surveys or studies.
12. But not … (2 of 2)
Research relating to certain internal-use
computer software.
Research conducted outside the United
States, Puerto Rico, or a U.S.
possession.
Research in the social sciences, arts, or
humanities.
Research funded by another person (or
governmental entity).
Hinweis der Redaktion
This presentation was given to the Atlanta Ruby Users Meetup Group on May 9, 2012.