Why Contribute to Open Source?
If you’re a Software Engineer you probably know what an open source is. I even think you use it in your daily work, for example using some libraries for your programming language. The interesting fact is that the programming language itself is in most cases an open source project. But have you ever thought about contributing to an open source project yourself? In this article I will explain why you should contribute to open source.
There are many reasons, but here are a few that come to mind:
First and foremost, open source is all about collaboration. It’s a community-driven effort to build and improve software that is accessible to anyone. By contributing to open source, you can help create better tools and solutions for everyone, not just for yourself or your company. It also means that you can find new contacts for your network.
Many of the interviewers I know often pay attention to an applicant’s open source projects. They show that you are a proactive developer. If you have your own open source project, you are likely to be able to lead your product, which is very important in the job. These may not be the keys to getting an job offer, but they will definitely improve your chances.
Another benefit of contributing to open source is the chance to improve your coding skills. Before contributing to open source you will need to understand the code base of the project. This will improve your code-reading skills, which will help you when you’re asked to do a code review. Also, after you submit your MR you will get feedback on the quality of your code. By working on these projects, you can push yourself to learn more and become a better developer overall.
Additionally, contributing to open source can help you build your reputation as a developer. By submitting code, writing documentation, or helping with testing and bug fixes, you can show off your skills and work alongside some of the most talented developers in the industry.
In summary, contributing in Open Source not only develops your programming skills, but also your identity: your network of contacts, your name and reputation.
