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Jerry Cooperstein
In this course, we will define what open source software is, we will go over the history of open source software and what benefits it has provided to the world’s technology infrastructure over the decades. The course aims to teach you how to work in open source projects productively and gain a lot of benefits from it, and really understand what the advantages are. You will learn about collaboration best practices, and how to encourage diversity in open source projects. We will discuss the different licensing models that are available, as this will help you decide what the best license is for your project. We will talk about methods that are commonly used, such as Continuous Integration, and use of GitHub and other hosting providers as a central meeting place for open source projects, and we will provide some examples of successful open source projects.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/6qgouf/open
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What's inside
Syllabus
Open Source Software
WORKING IN OSS PROJECTS
Building Better OSS Projects
Read more
Syllabus
Open Source Software
WORKING IN OSS PROJECTS
Building Better OSS Projects
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners by defining what open source software is
Develops professional skills in working in open source projects, such as collaboration best practices and encouraging diversity
Develops professional skills in building better open source projects by teaching about different licensing models and commonly used methods like Continuous Integration
Provides examples of successful open source projects to illustrate the real-world applications of the skills taught in the course
Uses a mix of media, including readings and discussions, to enhance learning
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Reviews summary
Broad overview of oss development methods
According to learners, this course provides a broad overview of open source software development methods. Students found it offers practical advice for contribution and gives a clear explanation of licensing models. Many feel it's valuable for career development and building foundational knowledge in the OSS ecosystem. Some reviewers noted that the content might be too basic for experienced developers, suggesting it's best suited as an introductory course. Overall, the feedback suggests a largely positive learning experience, particularly for those new to contributing to open source projects.
Covers wide range of OSS topics
"Provides a great overview of the OSS landscape."
"Liked the comprehensive coverage of various aspects."
"Good introduction to the different facets of open source."
Builds strong understanding for newcomers
"Excellent course if you're new to contributing to open source."
"Provides a solid base for understanding OSS principles."
"Great starting point before diving into specific tech."
Makes complex licensing clear
"The section on licenses was particularly clear and helpful."
"Finally understood the different OSS licenses."
"Demystified the world of software licenses for me."
Helpful advice for getting involved
"Gave me practical steps to start contributing."
"Useful tips on how to find projects and collaborate."
"I feel more confident about making my first contribution now."
May lack depth for veterans
"Already knew most of this, was a bit too introductory."
"If you have prior OSS experience, this might feel basic."
"Was hoping for more technical depth or advanced topics."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Open Source Software Development Methods with these
activities:
Review OSS Development
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of open source software development concepts and principles to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Open Source Software
Show steps
-
Read through course syllabus and materials
-
Review online resources and tutorials on OSS development
Review Open Source Terminology
Show steps
Reviewing the lingo used in open source software will help you follow the course more easily.
Browse courses on
Open Source Software
Show steps
-
Read an article or blog post about open source terminology
-
Create a glossary of terms you don't understand
-
Review your glossary regularly
Read "The Cathedral and the Bazaar"
Show steps
This book provides a deep dive into the history and culture of open source software, which will give you a solid foundation for the course.
View
Art of UNIX Programming, The (Addison-Wesley...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book
-
Take notes on the key concepts
-
Summarize the book in your own words
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Explore GitHub and Git
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials to familiarize yourself with GitHub and Git, essential tools for OSS collaboration and development.
Browse courses on
Git
Show steps
-
Complete GitHub tutorial on version control basics
-
Fork an existing OSS project on GitHub and make a small contribution
Follow a Tutorial on Open Source Tools
Show steps
Following a tutorial on open source tools can give you the opportunity to experiment with those tools and see how they can be used.
Browse courses on
Open Source Tools
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on an open source tool that interests you
-
Follow the tutorial
-
Apply what you learned to your own projects
Attend an Open Source Meetup or Conference
Show steps
Attending an open source meetup or conference is a great way to network with other people who are interested in open source.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Find an open source meetup or conference in your area
-
Register for the event
-
Attend the event
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Join or start a study group with other learners to discuss course concepts, share insights, and support each other's progress.
Show steps
-
Identify potential study partners or join an existing group
-
Establish regular meeting times and discuss specific topics
-
Engage in active discussions and share knowledge and resources
Contribute to an Open Source Project
Show steps
Contributing to an open source project is a great way to learn how OSS projects work and get involved in the community.
Show steps
-
Find an open source project that interests you
-
Read the project's documentation and contribution guidelines
-
Make a small contribution to the project
Contribute to an OSS Project
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to an OSS project to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of OSS practices.
Show steps
-
Identify an OSS project that aligns with your interests
-
Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and contribution guidelines
-
Propose and implement a feature or fix a bug
Practice Using Open Source Tools
Show steps
Regular practice working with open source tools will give you the chance to become more comfortable and efficient with them.
Browse courses on
Open Source Tools
Show steps
-
Find an open source tool that you want to practice using
-
Create a project that allows you to use the tool
-
Work on your project regularly
Develop a Personal OSS Project
Show steps
Create your own OSS project to showcase your skills and apply the concepts learned in this course.
Show steps
-
Document your project and make it available on a platform like GitHub
-
Define the purpose and goals of your project
-
Design and develop the project using appropriate tools and technologies
Write a Blog Post or Article About Open Source
Show steps
Writing about open source will help you solidify your understanding of the concepts and share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that interests you
-
Research your topic
-
Write your blog post or article
-
Share your work with others
Mentor a Newcomer to Open Source
Show steps
Mentoring a newcomer to open source is a great way to give back to the community and reinforce your own understanding of the concepts.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Find a newcomer who is interested in learning about open source
-
Share your knowledge and experience
-
Help the newcomer get involved in open source projects
Review OSS Development
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of open source software development concepts and principles to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Open Source Software
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through course syllabus and materials
- Review online resources and tutorials on OSS development
Review Open Source Terminology
Show steps
Reviewing the lingo used in open source software will help you follow the course more easily.
Browse courses on
Open Source Software
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read an article or blog post about open source terminology
- Create a glossary of terms you don't understand
- Review your glossary regularly
Read "The Cathedral and the Bazaar"
Show steps
This book provides a deep dive into the history and culture of open source software, which will give you a solid foundation for the course.
View
Art of UNIX Programming, The (Addison-Wesley...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
- Take notes on the key concepts
- Summarize the book in your own words
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Explore GitHub and Git
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials to familiarize yourself with GitHub and Git, essential tools for OSS collaboration and development.
Browse courses on
Git
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Complete GitHub tutorial on version control basics
- Fork an existing OSS project on GitHub and make a small contribution
Follow a Tutorial on Open Source Tools
Show steps
Following a tutorial on open source tools can give you the opportunity to experiment with those tools and see how they can be used.
Browse courses on
Open Source Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on an open source tool that interests you
- Follow the tutorial
- Apply what you learned to your own projects
Attend an Open Source Meetup or Conference
Show steps
Attending an open source meetup or conference is a great way to network with other people who are interested in open source.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open source meetup or conference in your area
- Register for the event
- Attend the event
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Join or start a study group with other learners to discuss course concepts, share insights, and support each other's progress.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential study partners or join an existing group
- Establish regular meeting times and discuss specific topics
- Engage in active discussions and share knowledge and resources
Contribute to an Open Source Project
Show steps
Contributing to an open source project is a great way to learn how OSS projects work and get involved in the community.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open source project that interests you
- Read the project's documentation and contribution guidelines
- Make a small contribution to the project
Contribute to an OSS Project
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to an OSS project to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of OSS practices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an OSS project that aligns with your interests
- Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and contribution guidelines
- Propose and implement a feature or fix a bug
Practice Using Open Source Tools
Show steps
Regular practice working with open source tools will give you the chance to become more comfortable and efficient with them.
Browse courses on
Open Source Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open source tool that you want to practice using
- Create a project that allows you to use the tool
- Work on your project regularly
Develop a Personal OSS Project
Show steps
Create your own OSS project to showcase your skills and apply the concepts learned in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Document your project and make it available on a platform like GitHub
- Define the purpose and goals of your project
- Design and develop the project using appropriate tools and technologies
Write a Blog Post or Article About Open Source
Show steps
Writing about open source will help you solidify your understanding of the concepts and share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that interests you
- Research your topic
- Write your blog post or article
- Share your work with others
Mentor a Newcomer to Open Source
Show steps
Mentoring a newcomer to open source is a great way to give back to the community and reinforce your own understanding of the concepts.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a newcomer who is interested in learning about open source
- Share your knowledge and experience
- Help the newcomer get involved in open source projects
Career center
Learners who complete Open Source Software Development Methods will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Open Source Software Developer
Open Source Software Developer
Open Source Software Developers are responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving open source software. They collaborate with other developers as part of a team to solve a series of problems. This course may be useful for the Open Source Software Developer as it covers working in open source projects. It also discusses how to encourage diversity in open source projects.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. They work with other engineers to solve problems and create new features. This course may be useful for the Software Engineer as it covers the use of GitHub and other hosting providers as a central meeting place for open source projects. It also provides examples of successful open source projects.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning and executing projects. They work with other team members to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. This course may be useful for the Project Manager as it covers collaboration best practices.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers are responsible for creating documentation for software and other technical products. They work with engineers to understand the product and write clear and concise documentation. This course may be useful for the Technical Writer as it covers different licensing models that are available for open source software.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for planning and developing new products. They work with other team members to define the product vision and roadmap. This course may be useful for the Product Manager as it covers methods that are commonly used in open source projects, such as Continuous Integration.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data. They work with other team members to identify trends and patterns in the data. This course may be useful for the Data Analyst as it covers the history of open source software and its benefits.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for understanding the business needs of an organization and translating those needs into technical requirements. They work with other team members to ensure that software systems meet the needs of the business. This course may be useful for the Business Analyst as it covers the different licensing models that are available for open source software.
Software Tester
Software Tester
Software Testers are responsible for testing software to ensure that it meets the requirements of the users. They work with other team members to identify and fix bugs. This course may be useful for the Software Tester as it covers collaboration best practices.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. They work with other team members to ensure that systems meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for the Systems Analyst as it covers the different licensing models that are available for open source software.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting the information systems of an organization. They work with other team members to identify and mitigate security risks. This course may be useful for the Information Security Analyst as it covers the history of open source software and its benefits.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They work with other team members to ensure that databases are available and performant. This course may be useful for the Database Administrator as it covers the different licensing models that are available for open source software.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining networks. They work with other team members to ensure that networks are available and performant. This course may be useful for the Network Administrator as it covers the history of open source software and its benefits.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers are responsible for developing and maintaining websites. They work with other team members to create websites that are user-friendly and meet the needs of the business. This course may be useful for the Web Developer as it covers the use of GitHub and other hosting providers as a central meeting place for open source projects.
IT Manager
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for planning and managing the IT infrastructure of an organization. They work with other team members to ensure that IT systems meet the needs of the business. This course may be useful for the IT Manager as it covers the history of open source software and its benefits.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers are responsible for writing and maintaining computer programs. They work with other team members to develop software systems that meet the needs of the business. This course may be useful for the Computer Programmer as it covers different licensing models that are available for open source software.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6qgouf/open
Reading list
We've selected 15 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Open Source Software Development Methods.
Will give you a more in-depth look at the tools and methods for working in an open source project, especially with Git.
This book is not about the programming side of things, but rather about the collaboration, process, and tools for working with other people.
Save
Looks at the human side of open source, and how to build and maintain successful and thriving open source communities.
Open source projects are not just about code, they are about people.
Classic in the open source world, and it offers a fascinating look at the history and philosophy of open source development.
This book will help you understand the motivations and values of the open source community.
Save
Valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about continuous delivery, which valuable practice for open source projects.
This book offers a more in-depth look at Continuous Integration, which will be a valuable tool to learn while working on open source projects.
Is an accessible introduction to operating systems, which are the software that manage computer hardware and resources. Working on open source projects will help you understand how operating systems work, and this book will provide a solid foundation in this area.
More comprehensive and in-depth look at operating systems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks, including their architecture, protocols, and applications. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Classic in the software development world, and it offers a wealth of practical advice for anyone who wants to improve their skills.
It offers practical advice for anyone who wants to improve their skills at any level of experience.
Save
Valuable resource for anyone who wants to write clean and maintainable code.
Working on open source projects will help you understand how to write good code, and this book will provide you with the theoretical underpinnings of this.
Classic in the software development world, and it offers a wealth of practical advice for anyone who wants to improve the design of their code.
Working on open source projects will help you understand how to refactor code, and this book will provide you with the theoretical underpinnings of this.
Save
Classic in the software development world, and it offers a wealth of practical advice for anyone who wants to improve the design of their code.
Working on open source projects will help you understand how to use design patterns, and this book will provide you with the theoretical underpinnings of this.
Save
Classic in the software development world, and it offers a wealth of practical advice for anyone who wants to improve their skills.
This book offers advice for managing and working on large software projects, which valuable skill when working on an open source project.
Save
Classic in the software development world, and it offers a wealth of practical advice for anyone who wants to improve their skills.
This book offers advice for working with people and teams, which valuable skill when working on an open source project.
Save
Classic in the software development world, and it offers a wealth of practical advice for anyone who wants to improve their skills.
This book offers advice for working on agile software development projects, which valuable skill when working on an open source project.
Save
Provides a deep dive into the inner workings of computers and software. It is an interesting and informative book for anyone who wants to learn more about how computers work.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6qgouf/open
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The Linux Foundation
Instructor
Jerry Cooperstein
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Open Source Software Development, Linux and Git. It's comprised of four courses:
- Linux for Developers
- Linux Tools for Developers
- Using Git for Distributed Development
- Open Source Software Development Methods (viewing)
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