Introduction to Open Source
A Comprehensive Guide for Entry-Level Designers and Low-Coders
I recently concluded my Outreachy internship with OpenRefine, where I served as a UI/UX design intern working on improving workflows for design contributions and collaboration. However, this journey was far from a walk in the park.
As a designer new to open source, I encountered challenges, struggled to grasp the intricacies of contributing on platforms like GitHub, and often found myself questioning the value of my contributions. It was a learning curve filled with uncertainty, but it was also an incredibly rewarding experience.
Today, I write this guide with a singular purpose: to help other designers and low-coders who may be in the same boat I was. If you're considering trying out Outreachy (which you definitely should), or contributing to open source projects but find yourself hesitant or unsure, this article is here to provide guidance. It aims to demystify the world of open source, break down the barriers to entry, and equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the landscape of open source projects.
You might wonder, why should designers and low-coders, who are just starting their journey, invest their time in open source contributions instead of simply working on fictitious projects during their learning phase? The answer lies in the unique learning opportunities, the real-world experience, and the profound impact you can have on software that millions of people use daily.
This guide aims to demystify the world of open source, break down the barriers to entry, and equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate of open source projects.
What is Open Source?
Open source means that software is like a recipe with no secrets. The code behind it is an open book, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, and share it. Open Source as an approach in software development has transformed the way applications are created, shared, and used. It's built on the fundamental concept of making the source code of software freely accessible to anyone.
Why Open Source Matters
Accessibility:
Open Source software is a game-changer for entry-level techies and designers and low-coders are not left behind. It provides you with access to high-quality tools and resources without the financial barriers that often come with proprietary software.
Community Collaboration:
Open Source thrives on collaboration. It's not developed in isolation by a single entity; instead, it relies on contributions from a diverse global community of developers, designers, testers, and enthusiasts. You'll find mentors, peers, and friends who share your passion and are eager to help you grow and learn from a vast network of experienced developers, designers and other community members.
Customization:
One of the most appealing aspects of Open Source software is its flexibility. As a low-coder, this flexibility provides a unique opportunity for you to experiment, learn, and tailor software to your specific needs. You can adapt existing Open Source tools to suit your projects.
Recognition:
In Open Source, contributions are recognized and rewarded based on their quality and impact, not on who you are or where you come from. Your skills and dedication are what matter most, creating a level playing field for all.
Getting Started with Open Source
1. Explore Outreachy
If you're new to open source and seeking structured guidance, Outreachy is an excellent starting point. Outreachy offers paid internships that specifically target underrepresented groups in tech. These internships provide mentorship, support, and a clear path for contributing to open source projects. My journey in Open Source typically started here.
2. Familiarize Yourself with GitHub
GitHub is the center of open source development. It's where projects are hosted, code is shared, and collaboration happens. Create a GitHub account if you don't have one already and spend some time navigating the platform. GitHub offers plenty of guides and tutorials to help you get started.
3. Choose a Project
Finding the right open source project to contribute to can be a pivotal step. Here are some effective steps:
GitHub Explore: Use GitHub's "Explore" feature to discover trending open source projects, or explore specific categories and topics that interest you.
Open Source Directories: Websites like Open Source Directory and Awesome-Open-Source offer curated lists of projects spanning various domains and technologies. These directories can be a goldmine for finding projects that match your interests.
Internship Programs: Apart from Outreachy, other programs like Google Summer of Code (GSoC) and Season of Docs also connect newcomers with open source projects. Check out their project listings and application deadlines on their websites.
Join OpenRefine : If you're passionate about data and open source, consider joining us at OpenRefine. OpenRefine is an open source data transformation tool used by a diverse user base. You can find our project on GitHub and explore opportunities to contribute to improving user interfaces, enhancing user experiences, documentation or adding new features.
After selecting the right project, look for issues labeled as "beginner-friendly" or those with "good first issue" tags on the GitHub repository. These issues are tailored for newcomers and are designed to provide a smooth entry point into the project.
4. Study the Documentation
Each open source project has its unique documentation. Take the time to read through it. Understand the project's goals, coding standards, and contribution guidelines. Familiarity with the project's documentation is key to making meaningful contributions and tutorial materials on how the software works and how it is used.
The one thing that tremenduosly helped during the contribution phase of my Outreachy application was how much tutorial material I consumed. I poured through OpenRefine’s documentation and every possible guide I could find and was instrumental in how much impact my contributions had on the project and community.
5. Collaborate and Communicate
Open source is all about collaboration. Engage with the project's community on their communication channels, such as mailing lists, forums, or chat platforms. Discuss your interests and your desire to contribute. Be open to feedback and guidance from experienced contributors. Always ask questions when you don’t understand something and ensure to also provide guidance to new contributors like yourself when you’ve found your ground.
6. Start with Small Tasks
Don't feel pressured to tackle complex issues right away or wanting to make a huge impact right away.Start with small, manageable tasks. This could be fixing a typo in documentation, addressing a minor bug, or enhancing the user interface in a small way, like reducing the the width of a button. These tasks allow you to get comfortable with the project's workflow.
Be Patient and Persistent
Contributing to open source can be challenging at times, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Be patient with yourself, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Persistence is key. With time and dedication, you'll find your place in the open source community, making meaningful contributions and leaving your mark.
As we wrap up, remember that your open source journey is about growth, learning, and giving back. You're joining a global community of innovators who shape the tech world. Embrace the adventure and watch your skills and network grow.
To further assist you on your journey, here are some additional resources and communities to explore and in the next blog post, we’ll be looking at Navigating GitHub and Creating Your First Pull Request as a low-coder or designer.
This is very helpful. Thank you
Thanks for these points. They’ll surely come in handy when I decide to explore open source 💯💯