Open Source Software Development: Linux for Developers from edX

Open source software (OSS) has become dominant in the technology space. Since its launch in 1991, Linux has grown to power virtually all the world’s supercomputers, most mobile devices, financial exchanges, space stations and rovers, and serves as the backbone of the cloud and the internet itself. Companies, organizations, governments and individuals around the world rely on Linux and open source technologies to conduct business and live their lives every single day. At the same time, the demand for Linux and open source talent is as strong as ever, as revealed by the 2021 Open Source Jobs report.

This course will guide developers to understanding the ‘rules of the road’ of creating open source software, either as a newbie or as someone with experience primarily in creating and working with proprietary code.

The first part of this course covers the fundamentals of open source software development: the who (successful projects and communities), what (definition), why (benefits), where (Git), and how (licensing, compliance, collaboration tips, managing diversity, and continuous development & integration).

The second part of this course dives into the world of Linux: what Linux is, its history, how to separate the kernel from the operating system, and making contributions to it. It covers the graphical system interface, as well as working at the command line, and continues to discuss filesystems, major system components, user accounts, and more, to help you get fully oriented to working on a Linux system.

This course will provide you with a strong foundation for working comfortably and productively in open source development communities. By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of the Linux environment, as well as the methods and tools required to successfully use the Linux environment.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Discuss the key concepts involved in developing open source software (oss).
Know best practices for long term sustainability of projects, including how to respect and encourage diversity.
Review open source software licensing issues, such as types (restrictive vs permissive) and explain how to choose the right one.

Have a good understanding of linux systems and utilities.
Work comfortably at the command line.

Discuss the key concepts involved in developing open source software (oss).
Know best practices for long term sustainability of projects, including how to respect and encourage diversity.
Review open source software licensing issues, such as types (restrictive vs permissive) and explain how to choose the right one.
Have a good understanding of linux systems and utilities.
Work comfortably at the command line.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Can serve as an introduction to open source development for those with little to no experience

Develops essential skills for creating and working effectively in open source software communities

Provides a comprehensive overview of open source software development principles, from licensing to community management

Covers the fundamentals of the Linux operating system, making it accessible to those unfamiliar with it

Taught by experienced instructors in the field, ensuring the quality and relevance of the content

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: Linux for Developers with these activities:

Review the principles and fundamentals of open source software

Show steps

This activity helps you refresh your understanding of the core principles and foundations of open source software.

Show steps

Review the introductory course content on open source software principles.
Read articles or blog posts on open source licensing and best practices.
Attend webinars or online presentations on the history and evolution of open source.

Read 'The Cathedral & the Bazaar' by Eric Raymond

Show steps

This book provides valuable insights into the principles of open source development, which will be discussed in the course.

View Art of UNIX Programming, The (Addison-Wesley... on Amazon

Show steps

Read through the book thoroughly and take notes on important points.
Summarize the main concepts and ideas presented in the book.
Discuss the key takeaways from the book with fellow learners or online communities.

Review basics of software engineering

Show steps

This activity provides a review of software engineering principles and will help you identify gaps in your knowledge.

Browse courses on Software Engineering

Show steps

Review your notes from previous software engineering courses.
Go through online tutorials and refresh your understanding of key concepts.
Complete practice exercises or coding challenges to reinforce your skills.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Solve coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank

Show steps

Solving coding challenges will strengthen your programming skills and provide practical experience in applying open source software concepts.

Browse courses on Coding Challenges

Show steps

Choose a reputable coding challenge platform.
Select challenges that align with the topics covered in the course.
Attempt to solve the challenges without using external resources.
Review your solutions against optimal approaches and discuss them with other learners.
Set realistic goals and track your progress.

Participate in open source communities and discussions

Show steps

Engaging with open source communities will expose you to real-world applications, discussions, and support from experienced developers.

Show steps

Identify relevant open source communities or forums related to Linux or open source software.
Join the communities and introduce yourself.
Participate in discussions, share your experiences, and ask questions.
Offer help and support to other community members.
Attend online or in-person meetups or events organized by the communities.

Contribute to an open source software project

Show steps

This activity allows you to apply the concepts learned in the course to a practical project and contribute to the open source community.

Browse courses on Open Source Projects

Show steps

Identify a suitable open source project to contribute to.
Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and contribution guidelines.
Identify an area where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.
Make your contributions and submit a pull request to the project's repository.
Collaborate with other contributors and engage in discussions to refine your contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Open Source Software Development: Linux for Developers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software. As a critical member of the software development team, Software Engineers are in high demand. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. These foundational principles of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Software Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators install, configure, and maintain computer systems, including hardware, software, and networks. Systems Administrators ensure that computer systems are running smoothly and efficiently. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment. This foundational knowledge of Linux may help provide a competitive advantage for Systems Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams. DevOps Engineers work to automate and improve the software development process. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. These foundational principles of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for DevOps Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, build, and maintain cloud computing systems. Cloud Engineers work with cloud computing providers, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. These foundational principles of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Cloud Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, help files, and other documentation for software and hardware products. Technical Writers work with engineers and other technical professionals to gather information and write clear and concise documentation. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. This foundational knowledge of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Technical Writers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Product Manager

Product Managers define the vision and roadmap for software products. Product Managers work with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to bring products to market. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. This foundational knowledge of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Product Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. Data Scientists work with data engineers, data analysts, and other stakeholders to collect, clean, and analyze data. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. These foundational principles of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts analyze data to identify trends and patterns. Data Analysts work with data scientists, data engineers, and other stakeholders to collect, clean, and analyze data. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. These foundational principles of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on how to use technology to meet their business needs. IT Consultants work with businesses of all sizes to help them improve their IT systems and processes. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. This foundational knowledge of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for IT Consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Information Security Analysts work with businesses of all sizes to help them protect their IT systems and data. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. This foundational knowledge of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Information Security Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. Database Administrators work with businesses of all sizes to help them manage their data. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. This foundational knowledge of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Database Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. Network Administrators work with businesses of all sizes to help them connect their computers and devices. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. This foundational knowledge of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Network Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write code to create software applications. Computer Programmers work with businesses of all sizes to help them develop software solutions. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. These foundational principles of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Computer Programmers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. Web Developers work with businesses of all sizes to help them create websites that are informative, engaging, and easy to use. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. These foundational principles of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Web Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design and develop mobile applications. Mobile Developers work with businesses of all sizes to help them create mobile applications that are useful, engaging, and easy to use. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in the Linux environment and open source development. These foundational principles of Linux and open source development may help provide a competitive advantage for Mobile Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer