Basics of contributing to an open source project - from the first Linux Learners Day at LinuxCon 2011 http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/linuxcon/student-program

1. Fundamentals of Open Source Development Leslie Hawthorn, Outreach Manager Jeff Sheltren, Operations Manager August 16, 2011 OSU Picture © Greg Keene

2. Introduction

3. What is Open Source? Software that can be freely downloaded, used, modified and redistributed. Generally: Licensed under an OSI-approved license

4. Who Uses Open Source

7. Android

8. Mozilla

10. Continental

11. United

12. Virgin America

14. Of the top million busiest sites: Over 74% run on open source

17. Does this project share your values?

20. Find (or Ask For) Newbie Documentation

24. Typically created using the 'diff' tool, or equivalent tool from within a revision control system http://www.flickr.com/photos/dance_photographer/4962451349/

27. Show you've done your research

28. Wait for an answer

31. Don't Use Text Speak

32. Be Formal in Your First Few Posts http://www.flickr.com/photos/4braham/4178258504/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/4braham/4178258504/

34. Linux uses git, other popular options are Subversion, Bazaar & Mercurial

35. Understand revisions, branches http://www.flickr.com/photos/26546578@N06/4193814990/

37. Observe Traffic

38. Don't Ask to Ask

39. Wait for an Answer

40. Lurking ++ http://www.flickr.com/photos/minghan/479815487/

43. What you thought should happen

44. What happened instead

45. Software & hardware specs http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/482054617/

47. Submit a Patch

49. Answer Questions in IRC

50. Point People in the Right Direction

52. Press Releases and Newsletters

53. Testimonials & Developer / User Interviews

55. Offer to Staff a Booth or Table

56. Volunteer to Help at the Next FOSS Conference http://www.flickr.com/photos/richard_jones/3091970504/

58. Bonus Points for Video or In Person Training

59. Give a Talk about Your Project http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicago2016/3277192438/ Anyone who can share knowledge well is a teacher.

61. Get Valuable Employment Experience

62. Learn from an Experienced Mentor

63. Become Part of a Vibrant Global Community

64. Get Paid

66. Jump in Where You Can Do Well

67. Know You Will Make Mistakes

68. Have Fun! http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoprofi/4149216115/

69. Thank You! Leslie Hawthorn, Outreach Manager Jeff Sheltren, Operations Manager http://osuosl.org [email_address] [email_address] @sheltren and @lhawthorn