FAQ!
Usage
Must the group distribution be strictly hierarchical (distinct groups breaking down into sub-groups), or is it possible to have a complex architecture?
Balancing convenience, aesthetics, and generality in group management is challenging. Currently, the structural groups must follow a tree structure, but cross-groups (e.g., language or options groups) can be declared. You can assign multiple groups to a course, which allows for accommodating all architectures encountered so far.
We use a biweekly schedule (Week A / Week B). Is this compatible?
Absolutely. You can generate the schedule for a single week (or a set of weeks) and replicate it for subsequent weeks, allowing for individual modifications thereafter.
I'm not a computer expert. Can I still use it?
The site is accessible to anyone familiar with navigating the web. However, for installation, and especially for deploying the application on a server for others to access, you'll need someone with at least basic technical expertise.
Is there a smartphone version?
Yes. Thomas Gouveia developed an application accessible on the PlayStore (temporarily removed, but it might return) and on the AppStore. That said, version 1 of flop (available in early 2025) will be responsive and easier to use on smartphones.
Is it easy for an untrained user to input their constraints?
It depends on the constraint.
- For availability and time-slot preferences, for example, the interface is intuitive and user-friendly for anyone familiar with the web. Here's a short video showing how it works (though outdated, as the interface and features have evolved, it gives an idea).
- Other constraints may require assistance from the schedule manager to be properly implemented.
I understand that all users can modify the schedule. Won't this create chaos?
This concern is common. Chaos is impossible because the interface prevents prohibited modifications (e.g., overlapping classes, assigning an unavailable room, etc.).
Moreover, this cooperative framework provides significant convenience for both users and the schedule manager. It saves enormous time otherwise spent handling individual requests... 🥵
Finally, it is always possible to restrict modification rights for a specific user or everyone! (But that's a pity!)
General Questions
Could your software be used to manage an employee work schedule?
Yes! The "Cosmo" mode (named after the Toulouse cinema American Cosmograph for which we developed this version) is designed for cooperative employee scheduling. While the interface isn't yet fully adapted, it could be improved if there’s demand. It has been used for years by a team of emergency doctors to schedule medical shifts.
Why is it free? Usually, if it's free, I'm the product
You're right; that's often true in capitalist systems. However, in the free software world, many of us offer an alternative model based on accessibility and community sharing. Thanks to funding from the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, one person now works full-time on developing the tool. We hope to sustain this role through a cooperative structure.
Can the schedule be displayed in a personal calendar (Google Calendar or others)?
Yes. The tool provides a URL for each teacher, group, or room, which links to an iCal file. Simply import it into your electronic calendar for real-time synchronization.
Do all users need to install the software to use it?
flop! is a web-based platform accessible through a browser. No installation is required for users.
Is it possible to test flop! without installing anything?
Yes. A test site is available here for trials. Log in as user MOI with password passe.
Who develops flop!, and where does the funding come from?
Until 2022, we worked without funding. Contributors include potential users, students or former IT students, and others interested in supporting the project, all volunteering their time.
The community is led by two individuals, both teachers (one a teacher-researcher) at the IUT of Blagnac.
Since last year, the Nouvelle Aquitaine region has provided €40,000 in funding (under the "Innovative Free Software" project), allowing us to hire Léo, who has been working with us since November 2022.
How can I contribute to the project?
The project's Git repository is accessible here. You can open tickets to report issues or suggest changes. You can also email us at contact [at] flopedt.org to discuss further.
Where does the name flop! come from?
flop originally stood for flexible and open source. But mainly, we liked having a name that's unpretentious, a bit silly even, but memorable... 🤗
Schedule Constraints
We have stringent room constraints. Will it still work?
It depends on the extent of the constraints. If the problem is unsolvable, flop will indicate this and explain why. However, if a solution exists, flop will likely find it.
Are there schedule constraints that flop! cannot handle?
Perhaps... 🤷♀️ So far, we've encountered no constraint we couldn't code. However, not all constraints are pre-coded; new ones are added as community members require them.
Can you list the constraints that can be defined?
Here are some examples:
- A class must precede, immediately follow, or coincide with another.
- Limit a module or teacher to a maximum of two classes per day.
- Minimize the number of days a teacher or group is required to attend.
- Free up a half-day for students.
Schedule Generation
Generating a schedule is a complex problem (NP-hard). What is the maximum establishment size for a feasible solution?
We don't have a precise answer. However, for the IUT of Blagnac (around 500 students and 150 teachers), generating a schedule usually takes a few seconds, with the best schedule found in minutes.
Installation - Configuration
Is it possible to install the software without Docker?
Yes. This is even the recommended method using Debian packages. Detailed instructions are available here.
What are the requirements to install the software?
In accordance with the AGPLv3 license, flop! only depends on free and open-source software. Primarily, it uses Django (and python3) for the framework, postgreSQL for the database, and PuLP and CBC for schedule generation. The full list of requirements is here.
That said, you can also run it in a Docker container without worrying about prerequisites (see here).
What is the simplest way to install it on my computer for testing?
If you have Linux, the easiest method is to install via a package. A guide is available here.
For Windows, the installation process is less certain, but you can try following these instructions using Docker.
Feel free to contact us if the process seems unclear or if you're not comfortable with technical tools. We’re happy to help!
Integration with Other Tools
We currently use another scheduling software. Can data be synchronized with flop!?
flop! supports this, but it depends on whether the other tool offers synchronization options. We aim to develop import/export scripts for tools like Hyperplanning, ADE Soft, CELCAT, etc.
Under what license is your software distributed?
We chose the GNU-AGPL license, fully aligned with free software philosophy: all flop! components are open source. Anyone using or improving this tool agrees to make the code available to everyone.
Can flop! be synchronized with a shared room management tool (e.g., GRR)?
We have experimental synchronization scripts (e.g., with GRR and ADE), but nothing finalized yet. Developing these further would be beneficial. Let us know if you want to help! :0)
One challenge is that proprietary software often restricts API access, limiting synchronization possibilities.