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Intro to Open Source with OpenSauced

Welcome to the Intro to Open Source Course with OpenSauced! This course is designed to provide you with an introduction to open source and guide you through the process of contributing to open source projects.

Prerequisites​

Before diving into the world of open source, it's essential to have a basic understanding of programming concepts and some experience working with code. While the course will provide examples and demos, you'll get the most out of the material if you have some prior knowledge.

Additionally, this course assumes that you are familiar with Git and GitHub. Git is a widely-used version control system, and GitHub is a popular platform for hosting and collaborating on Git repositories. If you're not already familiar with Git and GitHub, we recommend taking some time to learn the basics before starting this course.

Course Overview​

The course is divided into chapters, each covering a different aspect of open source:

What is Open Source?​

This chapter provides an introduction to open source, its history, and its importance in today's software development landscape.

Why Open Source?​

In this chapter, you'll learn about the benefits of open source software, such as increased collaboration, faster development, and improved quality.

Tools to be Successful​

Discover the key tools and platforms necessary for a successful journey in open source development. From Git and GitHub for version control and collaboration to CodeSee for code visualization and VS Code as your code editor, this chapter provides an overview of how to leverage these essential tools.

How to Contribute to Open Source​

This chapter covers finding projects to work on, submitting contributions, onboarding contributors to new projects, and the outcomes after submitting contributions. Tips for finding projects include browsing GitHub and GitLab, following personal interests, joining open source communities, and utilizing platforms like OpenSauced.

The Secret Sauce​

This chapter focuses on providing lesser-known strategies and tips for making a lasting impact in the open source community. This chapter provides strategies for finding issues, gaining traction in your open source journey, and leveraging OpenSauced to build your open source resume.

Types of Open Source Contributions​

This chapter explains the non-coding and coding types of contributions involved with open source projects.

Additional Information​

As this is the beginning of your open source journey, we've also provided additional information in these chapters:

  • Glossary: A glossary of common terms and definitions used in open source.
  • Additional Resources: A list of resources for further learning about open source, including blog posts, tutorials, and guides.

Let's Get Started 🚀​

Now that we've set the stage, it's time to embark on your open source journey! In the next chapter, we'll dive into the definition of open source and explore its history, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of open source collaboration. Let's get started!

tip

Each chapter builds on the previous one, so we recommend reading them in order.

As you work through the course, we encourage you to experiment with the tools and concepts covered in each chapter. The best way to learn is by doing, so try contributing to an open source project or building your project from scratch!

Building Your Open Source Resume​

One of the unique features of this course is that it guides you to build your open source resume using OpenSauced. OpenSauced is a platform that helps you track and showcase your open source contributions, making it easier to get noticed by potential employers and collaborators.

To learn more about using OpenSauced to build your open source resume, check out the "Building Your Open Source Resume" section in "The Secret Sauce" chapter.

Expectations​

This course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in open source collaboration. While we'll cover a range of topics and provide examples, demos, and opportunities for hands-on practice, it's essential to have realistic expectations about what you can achieve during the course.

  1. Practice is crucial: Learning about open source is just the beginning; to truly develop your skills and become a proficient contributor, you'll need to practice consistently. Keep in mind that the more you contribute to open source projects, the more you'll learn and grow as a developer.

  2. Patience is key: Becoming proficient in open source collaboration takes time and effort. Don't be discouraged if you encounter challenges along the way; remember that every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable and helps improve the project.

  3. Engagement with the community: Open source is more than just code; it's about the people who collaborate and contribute to projects. Engage with the community by asking questions, sharing your knowledge, and supporting others. Building relationships with other contributors will enhance your open source experience and help you grow as a developer.

  4. Continuous learning: Open source is a rapidly evolving field, with new projects, tools, and technologies emerging all the time. Stay curious and open to learning, and take advantage of resources like documentation, tutorials, and community forums to expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

  5. Developing a growth mindset: Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with open source collaboration. Adopt a growth mindset, which focuses on learning, improvement, and resilience. By viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth, you'll be better equipped to navigate the complex world of open source and achieve success in your contributions.

We hope you find this course informative and useful! If you have any questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to open an issue or reach out to us in the Community.

Happy learning and contributing!