What’s Open Source Software?
Intro to Open Source Software and how to become a contributor
Open-source software (OSS) as defined by Technopedia is “ software that is distributed with source code that may be read or modified by users.”
This means that Open Source Software source code can be distributed and modified by anyone. Modified versions of the source code can also be redistributed without any issues. Unlike proprietary software.
Some Examples
Some famous examples of open source software are GIMP, MVC Player, Mozilla Firefox, and many more, even from cloud computing platforms.
Advantages of Open Source Software
Open Source Software is very advantageous in terms of personal development in skills. Whether it’s through collaborative review, self-study of the source code/the product, or mentorship. It can also be thought of as a safer choice since security threats can be spotted and quickly fixed because of the constant collaborative editing. Open Source Software is also more stable support-wise since the projects can be picked up for continuous support by anyone other than the original creators, which grants more stability to loyal users. Moreover, Open Source Software aids in the customization of the code to produce a version that suits your needs more specifically. Open Source Software also provides a great collaborative community that’s more special than that of proprietary software since all members are actively and equally a part of the final product.
Disadvantages of Open Source Software
On the other hand, Open Source Software might lack in terms of a user-friendly user interface, since it’s created based on collaboration. Open Source Software is also lacking in support that proprietary software has since everything is a matter of collaboration and it can be hard to access the original creators or determine the exact creator of the version you’re using. Open Source Software might also be less secure because of potentially malicious contributions. Additionally, Open Source Software is more affordable.
How Can You Contribute?
So how can you contribute? the best advice that I always come across is to contribute in any way possible especially if it’s an area that you’re sure to provide something valuable, like translation and documentation. Another piece of advice is to contribute to software that you want to use or are already a user of. Next, there are a few famous websites to help you find projects for contribution:
And to learn more about how to pick the right project and for more websites to find your projects through, I recommend a visit to the How to Contribute to Open Source page. The link includes a checklist of what to look for in a project and where to find a project alongside many important topics.
Why Make A Contribution?
Contributing to Open Source Software can be a great chance for beginners to gain guidance and mentorship, learn communication skills, explore what they are capable of, potentially land a job opportunity, network and get to make connections potentially, maybe monetize support, customize projects you love, give back and volunteer, and many more.
Some Misconceptions About Open Source software:
- That it’s only regarding code.
In fact, there are many noon-code-related projects developed under the notion of “Open Source”. Like, lists, books, and recipes.
- That it can only be by contributing to the code.
There are many skill sets that can make a difference and contribution to Open Source Software. Design, marketing, Documentation, translation, writing moderating, and organizing are all very crucial ways of contributing. In fact, those non-code-related contributions are highly needed due to negligence.
- That you can’t ask for help.
- That other people suggesting changes to your code is a failure.
It actually means that someone took the time to review your code and give you feedback to help you grow. It’s a great opportunity for a beginner to gain.
- That Open source is always charge free.
Programmers can charge for their Open Source Software but might end up having to share the source code once sold due to the Open Source License.
The Challenges of Open Source Software:
There are many challenges that face the Open Source Community.
- Security implications due to big numbers of contributors as elaborated above.
- A lack of individuality and the expression of personal values and ethics may occur due to the increasingly communal way of thinking and decision-making, individuality and values are eventually lost.
- Productivity may be slowed down due to a large number of contributors.
- Establishing a group of shared vision and focus since the process needs to be achieved rather carefully and organically.
- Establishing coding standards since standardizing code ensures ease of review and development.
- Ensuring everyone on board is aware of and accepts the software license in use.
- Project pace being slowed down by code review. which can be fixed by opting for peer-to-peer reviewing although risky of quality.
- Assignment of tasks objectively.
However, each of these challenges can be fended for, given the proper amount of effort.
More Resources:
- Opensource.com
- Translation Project.
- Making Your First Contribution to Open Source. It’s a great read!
Thank you for reading this far into this introductory guide.
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