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Siddharth Srinivasan

The Open-Source ecosystem is booming and is driving innovation at a much faster pace. Open-Source is the best means for developers and techies to showcase their skills and constantly update themselves with the latest trends and rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Utilize your ability to code and build solutions, and take it to the next level by grooming yourself into becoming an Open-Source Contributor.

As your progress on your Contribution streak, you:

Read more

The Open-Source ecosystem is booming and is driving innovation at a much faster pace. Open-Source is the best means for developers and techies to showcase their skills and constantly update themselves with the latest trends and rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Utilize your ability to code and build solutions, and take it to the next level by grooming yourself into becoming an Open-Source Contributor.

As your progress on your Contribution streak, you:

  • Enhance your developer profile by showcasing your skills to potential leads

  • Monetize on your new-found skill to generate an additional revenue stream

  • Take advantage of potential Open-Source initiatives and sponsorship opportunities

  • pick up other learnings such as

    • The best software development practices and design patterns used

    • Interact, communicate and collaborate more effectively with project owners, maintainers and other contributors as well

    • Familiarize yourself with Build pipelines, Task automation, and Testing tools such as for Code Quality, Coverage, etc.

Note: Previous background in programming and software development is expected, so please ensure the same before enrolling in this course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Contribute to several popular open-source projects.
  • Utilize this skill to strengthen their professional resume and technical portfolio!
  • Monetize your contributions and generate an additional income stream.
  • Take advantage of opportunities geared towards open-source contributors!
  • Use git and github effectively as you progress with your contribution streak.

Syllabus

Before You Begin
How To Make Use Of This Course More Effectively
Course Prerequisites
Course Syllabus
Read more
Course Overview
Course Requirements
Regarding Git Installation
Course Resources
Fundamentals To Get You Started
Important Concepts to Upskill as a Contributor
Version Control Fundamentals
GitHub Overview

This Quiz will test your understanding on VCS and GitHub concepts

Git Walkthrough
Useful Tutorials and Documentation
Git File System Life Cycle
Branching and Reference
Useful operations in Git

Revise the GIT concepts you've just come across!

Remotes and Tagging
Git Operations in Practice
Merge and Rebase
Resolve Code Conflicts

Test your understanding of the GIT commands

Important concepts for Contributors
GitHub Integrations
GitFlow
Gitignore
Licensing
Open-Source Contributor: Blueprint
Grooming Yourself To Become A Contributor
The Secret Sauce
Reconnaissance
Open-Source Etiquette
Raise a Pull Request
Contribution Checklist
Begin your Contribution Streak!
Opportunities for Contributors
Monetizing with OSS
Open-Source Initiatives
Resources for Initiatives and Opportunities
Conclusion
Recap
BONUS

Save this course

Save Open-Source Contribution: Guide for Developers to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Contribution: Guide for Developers with these activities:
Review Version Control Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of version control systems before diving into Git and GitHub specifics.
Browse courses on Version Control
Show steps
  • Review the basic concepts of version control.
  • Practice basic commands in a local repository.
Read 'The Git Book'
Deepen your understanding of Git by reading a comprehensive guide.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, focusing on areas where you need more clarity.
  • Experiment with the commands and techniques described in the book.
Read 'Working in Public: The Making and Maintenance of Open Source Software'
Gain a deeper understanding of the open-source ecosystem by reading a book on the topic.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and ideas.
  • Reflect on how the book's insights apply to your own open-source contributions.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Practice Git Commands
Solidify your understanding of Git commands through hands-on practice.
Show steps
  • Set up a local Git repository.
  • Practice common commands like commit, push, pull, and branch.
  • Simulate merge conflicts and resolve them.
Write a Blog Post on Open-Source Contribution
Share your experiences and insights by writing a blog post about contributing to open source.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic related to open-source contribution.
  • Outline the structure of your blog post.
  • Write the blog post, including examples and tips.
  • Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or your personal website.
Contribute to a Small Open-Source Project
Apply your knowledge by contributing to a real-world open-source project.
Show steps
  • Find a beginner-friendly open-source project.
  • Identify a small issue to fix or a feature to add.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
  • Respond to feedback from project maintainers.
Mentor Junior Contributors
Reinforce your knowledge by mentoring new open-source contributors.
Show steps
  • Find a platform or community where you can offer mentorship.
  • Offer guidance and support to junior contributors.
  • Answer questions and provide feedback on their contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Open-Source Contribution: Guide for Developers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Open Source Engineer
The role of an Open Source Engineer involves contributing to and maintaining open-source projects, often focusing on specific technologies or platforms. The course's core objective is to guide developers in becoming effective open-source contributors. By taking this course, you can learn how to identify valuable projects, contribute effectively, and collaborate with other developers. The skills gained from this course, such as using Git and GitHub, understanding open-source licenses, and following contribution guidelines, are essential for success as an Open Source Engineer. This training may also help you understand how to resolve code conflicts.
Software Developer
A career as a Software Developer involves designing, developing, and testing software applications. This course helps you enhance your developer profile by showcasing your skills, which is directly applicable to landing a Software Developer role. The course's focus on open-source contribution enables you to demonstrate practical coding skills and collaboration abilities. Furthermore, the course discusses best software development practices and design patterns used in effective open-source project development. The material on Git, GitHub, build pipelines, task automation, and testing tools provides a solid foundation for the role of Software Developer, allowing you to contribute effectively to team projects and manage code efficiently.
Full-Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers work on both the front-end and back-end of web applications. This course helps you become an effective open-source contributor, allowing you to showcase your versatility and enhance your developer profile. The emphasis on coding skills, version control, and collaboration makes this course an ideal starting point for Full Stack Developers looking to improve their open-source contributions. Moreover the best software development practices and design patterns are taught.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality Assurance Engineers are responsible for testing software to identify bugs and ensure quality. The course's discussion of testing tools for code quality and coverage is directly relevant to this role. By learning about testing methodologies used in open-source projects, prospective Quality Assurance Engineers may be better equipped to design and implement effective test plans. You may get familiar with build pipelines, task automation, and testing tools such as for code quality.
Build Engineer
Build Engineers are responsible for maintaining and improving the build systems used to compile and package software. This course may be useful because it covers build pipelines, task automation, and testing tools, all of which are integral to the role of a Build Engineer. The course's discussion of Git and GitHub provides a strong foundation for managing code and coordinating builds. You may familiarize yourself with build pipelines, task automation, and testing tools such as for code quality.
Release Manager
A Release Manager oversees the process of releasing software updates and new versions. This course may be useful for a prospective Release Manager, as it covers version control, build pipelines, and task automation, all of which are critical aspects of software release management. By understanding the open-source development lifecycle, you can better coordinate releases and manage dependencies. In this course, you may familiarize yourself with build pipelines, task automation, and testing tools.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer works to streamline software development and deployment processes by automating infrastructure, build pipelines, and testing. This course may be useful because it covers build pipelines, task automation, and testing tools, which are essential components of DevOps. Understanding how to contribute to open-source projects also helps a prospective DevOps Engineer learn about different infrastructure configurations and deployment strategies used in the industry. You can explore GitFlow which this education goes through in detail. As a DevOps Engineer, comfort with version control and automated processes is important.
Software Engineering Manager
A Software Engineering Manager leads and manages a team of software engineers, guiding technical direction and project execution. The course focuses on improving communication and collaboration effectively with various project stakeholders. This skill is invaluable for a manager to coordinate team efforts and maintain positive working relationships. The course can also improve understanding of the software development practices and design patterns utilized by engineers.
Software Consultant
Software Consultants advise organizations on how to use software and technology to achieve their business goals. This course may be useful by exposing prospective consultants to a wide range of open-source technologies and development practices. The skills learned can also help you assess the suitability of different open-source solutions for client projects. The course aims to improve your ability to interact, communicate and collaborate more effectively with project owners, maintainers and other contributors as well.
Solutions Architect
Solutions Architects design and implement technical solutions to meet specific business requirements. This course may be useful by providing exposure to various open-source technologies and development methodologies. The skills learned can also help you evaluate the feasibility and scalability of different open-source solutions. You will gain experience in contributing to open-source projects and understanding of Git and GitHub.
Technical Project Manager
A Technical Project Manager oversees software development projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This course may be useful by providing insight into the open-source development process, including version control, collaboration, and testing. The skills learned can also help you manage developer teams and coordinate contributions to open-source projects. The course aims to improve your ability to communicate and collaborate more effectively with project owners, maintainers and other contributors as well.
Software Architect
The Software Architect is responsible for designing the overall structure and components of software systems. This course's focus on open-source projects may expose prospective Architects to a variety of design patterns and architectural approaches. Moreover, active participation in open-source projects helps build a strong understanding of collaborative development, code review processes, and best practices, all of which are valuable for a Software Architect. This course will help you learn about collaborating more effectively with project owners, maintainers and other contributors as well.
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and networks. This course may be useful because contributing to open-source projects, you may gain exposure to a variety of security vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques. Understanding version control and collaboration practices is also important for managing security updates and coordinating responses to security incidents. You can learn about the best software development practices and design patterns.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. This course's emphasis on open-source projects may be useful, as many open-source projects need clear and concise documentation. Understanding the development process, version control with Git and GitHub, and the nuances of open-source licensing may make you a more effective Technical Writer in this context. You can come to understand the software development practices and design patterns used.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and test software for embedded systems, such as those found in appliances and vehicles. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in software development best practices, version control, and collaboration, all of which are applicable to embedded systems development. You will come to understand the software development practices and design patterns used. Also, you will gain skills interacting with project owners, maintainers and contributors.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Contribution: Guide for Developers.
Provides a valuable overview of the social and economic aspects of open-source software development. It explores the challenges faced by maintainers and contributors, and offers insights into building sustainable open-source communities. Reading this book will help you understand the broader context of your contributions and appreciate the work of others. It is more valuable as additional reading to provide context.

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