The document discusses the importance of open source contributions in unleashing developer potential, highlighting the key qualities of successful developers such as problem-solving skills, technical proficiency, and collaboration. It emphasizes the Apache Way, which prioritizes community health, inclusivity, decision-making through consensus, and meritocracy in recognizing contributors. Lastly, it outlines personal branding for developers, including building visibility and establishing expertise within the open source community.

1. Freedom First—Unleashing Developer
Potential with Open Source
Afkham Azeez
Head of SRE, WSO2
Member, Apache Software Foundation

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5. About me
● Started at WSO2 in 2005, contributing to key open source projects like
Axis2, Synapse, and Axiom at the Apache Software Foundation.
● Spearheaded several strategic technology initiatives including the Carbon
framework and the adoption of Kubernetes and other cloud-native
technologies.
● Elected Member of the Apache Software Foundation since 2010
● Co-authored the book “Apache Axis2 Web Services.
● Regular presenter at technology conferences such as KubeCon, Oscon,
and WSO2Con, sharing insights and promoting open source
advancements.
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6. The original WSO2 Tungsten team!
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7. What makes a great developer?

8. Problem solving skills
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9. Ability to create “good” design and “good” code
Programs must be written for people to read, and only incidentally for
machines to execute - Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
Premature optimization is the root of all evil - Donald Knuth
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10. Continuous Learning
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11. Technical Proficiency
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12. Collaboration and Communication
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13. Passion and Motivation
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14. Empathy and User Focus
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15. Problem solving
Technical proficiency
Good design & code
Continuous learning
Collaboration & communication
Passion & motivation
Empathy & user focus
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16. The Apache Way
A Model of Open Source Values

17. Community Over Code
● Health and sustainability of the community
are more important than the code itself
● Inclusivity and Diversity: Ensuring a wide
range of perspectives and skills by
encouraging contributions from all over the
world.
● Consensus-based Decision Making:
Decisions are made through discussions,
where every community member can voice
their opinion, and consensus is sought for
major decisions.
● Mentorship and Guidance: Experienced
members mentor newcomers, helping to
integrate them into the project and foster the
next generation of leaders. 17

18. Meritocracy
● Influence in a project is earned through
contributions.
● encourages active participation and
rewards contributors with recognition,
decision-making authority, and leadership
roles based on their:
⦿ Quality of Contributions: Contributions are not
just measured by quantity but also by their
impact and quality.
⦿ Engagement in the Community: Active
involvement in discussions, decision-making
processes, and community events.
⦿ Leadership and Initiative: Taking initiative in
solving problems, proposing new ideas, and
leading projects or components. 18

19. Openness
Openness is a cornerstone of the ASF’s operation, encompassing everything from
transparent decision-making to public availability of documentation and code. This
value ensures:
● Public Communication: All discussions about project development are
conducted on public mailing lists, ensuring transparency and that decisions are
made openly.
● Accessible Code and Documentation: Code repositories and documentation
are openly accessible, encouraging external review, adoption, and
contribution.
● Open Participation: Anyone can participate in an ASF project, and there are no
barriers to entry for new contributors.
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20. Personal brand building
● Visibility
● Establishing Expertise
● Networking Opportunities
● Leadership Skills
● Public Speaking and Writing
● Global Impact
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21. Open source turns good devs into great devs, and
delivers better value to everyone
- yours truly, 2024
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