Open Source: Projects To Watch
Open source projects are for the people, by the people. Learn where you can get involved.
Open source projects are the good will of the internet. They both invite developers and programmers to donate their time to improve existing projects, or allow them to benefit from other people’s hard work and repurpose open source code for their own projects.
What is Open Source?
While the term was originally used to refer specifically to software, its meaning has evolved over time. As Opensource.com put it, “the term originated in the context of software development to designate a specific approach to creating computer programs. Today, however, ‘open source’ designates a broader set of values—what we call ‘the open source way.’ Open source projects, products or initiatives embrace and celebrate principles of open exchange, collaborative participation, rapid prototyping, transparency, meritocracy and community-oriented development.”
Open Options
In an internet culture that can often seem rife with trolling, abuse, doxxing and other nefarious use of technology, the open source ethos is a breath of fresh air. Open source makes the internet a more democratized space, as it provides an alternative to some expensive software options that many early stage companies or developers can’t afford to use. As the blog Creative Bloq wrote, “if you look around there’s almost always a blinding open source alternative to whatever pro software you need for web design work.”
Keep An Eye Out
With so many open source projects online, there are plenty of collaborative efforts to get involved with. Whether you’re looking for code you can modify or enhance for your own purposes as a beginner developer, or you’d like to use some of your time to contribute to the internet’s greater good, here are some places to start your open source journey as well as some tips:
Github
Github is arguably the internet’s prime location for open-source projects. While it can be overwhelming at first glance—because it’s such a big site with so many options—there are certainly opportunities there for newbies who want to give it a go.
As one blogger put it, it’s all about starting somewhere: “Fix a bug, do their website, write some documentation. You don’t necessarily even have to write code. A lot of open source projects need help and that help can mean doing forums work, support calls, whatever. The thing that folks forget about open source is that it’s most volunteers who are doing it for the love of it. They show up.”
Mozilla Projects
As a company, Mozilla is one of the leading proprietors of the open source ethos online, calling themselves committed to creating “internet for people, not profit.” Mozilla Projects is where you can get involved with that effort. While it can be overwhelming to find a project that suits your ability level, seek out ones with a “beginner friendly” label so you get started on the right track. If you’re looking for bugs to fix, Opensource.com offers this tip: “Don’t forget to check the simple bugs filter all the way at the bottom of the filter section!”
Up For Grabs
This site aggregates all the open source projects that are seeking help from developers. It’s a great resource to scroll and get an idea of the types of ways you could help and what skills you might need to do so. Better yet, take the plunge and choose a project that seems like a right fit for your interests and skill level.
Look for projects with a Code of Conduct
As open source is an idea based on a set of shared values, it’s good to know specifically what those values are. If a project has taken the time to publish a code of conduct or set of values, that’s a good sign that they are prioritizing kindness and patience with new developers who are trying to get involved. After all, while it may be scary, you should feel good about contributing to your first open source project and not like you’re trying to infiltrate some elite club that doesn’t want you as a member.