Seeking a project...

[Deathshroud]

I need some suggestions from whoever knows the linux community well. I'm a college student, who is familiar with C and C++, and I'm looking for some kind of project to become a part of. I don't really care what it is, I just want to get some real world experience in the open source community. If you know of any sites that are geared toward this type of thing, please drop me some links.

Any suggestions?

Maybe if you list some of your skills, the good folks here can point you in a direction that can utilise them.
For me it was journalism and english. That helped me get a job with Mandrakelinux.

What are your skills?

[jtang613]

The first thing that pops into mind is -- Sourceforge.net -- where a great many open source projects are hosted. Familiarize yourself with CVS first. Then, find an area or project that interests you and start your research. Or start your own project. If you decide to adopt an established project, learn the development source code (inside-out and backwards), THEN introduce yourself on the mailing list. Most open source projects welcome new minds - especially to help test, report glitches and offer suggestions. If you're really good, you may even be invited to actively participate in development.

I prefer to work on my own projects, but occasionally throw one back to the community. I'm currently midway through coding a serial bootloader for the Motorola Nitron (68HC908QT/QY) microprocessor family. This project evolved out of neccessity - I'm using this chip in a freelance design for a friend; but no software exists (free - for Linux) to (re)program onboard Flash memory on Nitron microcontrollers. So I took it upon myself to build the programmer circuitry and code the software. It's great practice (learning different architectures) - and when it's finished, I will host it on a website so others can benefit.

However, participation in the open source community isn't limited to coding. Support, testing and documentation are a huge part of what makes the community so successful. If coding jobs aren't banging down your door - don't hesitate to help beta-test or document a project as a way to take part. Eventually you'll find your niche.

m2c,
Jason

[Deathshroud]

Awesome response jtang. I guess something like degbugging is a good place to start. I've checked out Source Forge, I just need to find something that I can participate in. My experience is very basic, which is why I really want to get into something substantial that I'll be able to learn from.

[Clunixchit]

you can help others complete their projects : http://savannah.gnu.org/people/?group=tasklist

[foolish]

There's a lot of projects out there, most of them want more developers. Some offer easy introduction routines, such as the GNOME-Love project. See their mailing list: http://mail.gnome.org/mailman/listinfo/gnome-love

[Bosox79]

Here is a cool website
http://www.gnome.org/bounties/
they have prizes for whoever can come up with the best solution to projects, that will make gnome / linux better.
The bounties range from email programs, IM, you name they got it. Plus if you have the best solution they award you money

[cruiseoveride]

rhythm box needs a lot of help

http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showth...624#post249624

[Deathshroud]

Great responses guys, I'm glad to see some support!