What You Should Know About Open-Source

As the name suggests, open-source is the code that is publicly available to view, use, modify and distribute. It derives its significance from its numerous contributors sitting all across the globe. Although the original definition of open-source was limited to software, open-source now contains a variety of other sections

Open source embrace and celebrate principless of collaboration, participation, open exchange, security, rapid prototyping, transparency, meritocracy, and community-oriented development.

Open-Source Software

Open-source software is one whose source code is freely available to the users. Commonly used examples are Linux OS, Mozilla Firefox, VLC Media Player. etc.

Why do people prefer using Open-Source?

Open-source software is preffered to proprietary software for a number of reasons, including:

1. Users have more control over the open-source software. They can not only examine it but also modify it to suit their preferences.
2. Since open-source solutions are easily portable and compressed, it can be used with cheaper hardware and still give desired results.
3. No need to worry about licenses.
4. There is abundance of support for open-source in the form of online communities. Maintenance and support is also provided by the organizations who create open source software.
5. Open source software are designed for larger audiences in a way to be able to adapt to changes. It encourages customization and integration and thus is more flexible.

Applications of Open Source Software

Open-Source Software can be used as Server Software (Apache), Secure Desktops (Linux), Development (PHP, Rails, Perl), Workflow (Pentaho, Collabtive), Cloud (Red Hat, Ubuntu), etc. And that's not it. Open-source software has many more applications in different fields.

Why Contribute to Open-Source Projects?

There are a number of motivating factors that makes people contribute to OSS. The most common factor is the thirst for recognition and career growth. Other factors include the enthusiasm to make an impact on other's lives, learning new technologies and applying them, being a part of a global community and monetary gains.

How to get started with Open-Source Contributions?

You can either create your own open-source project or contribute to an existing one. But before getting there, read the checklist which will help you get started.

1. Select a Programming Language for collaboration.
2. Choose the category of project that you would like to work with (eg: whether it is a web based project or machine learning).
3. If you are a beginner, start with a simpler project, or one with lesser volume of code.
4. Get to know GitHub and basics of Git. Practice them on simpler projects.
5. Join the open-source community for the project that you would want to contribute too.

Ways to Contribute

You need not necessarily be a coder to contribute to open-source. One must have the will and the motivation to contribute and that's what will help you achieve great wonders in the field. Below are a few other ways in which one can contribute to open-source:

1. Technical Content Writing
2. Hosting Open-Source Awareness Events
3. Graphic Designing for logos or UI designing
4. Documentation writing

Conclusion

Open-source projects open a plethora of benefits to those who participate in them. Do try contributing to open-source either by yourslf or through the various iniatives provided by communities worldwide. All the best!