How to be a casual open-source contributor

Robin Lu

Why?

• scratch your own itch

• help others

• have fun

How?

• tools

• code

• process

• communication

Tools

• version control

• build utilities

• bug track

code

• learn from code

• coding conventions and coding style

• less is more

• features vs. bug fix

• the easiest bug

process

• road map

• process for bug report

• process for patch review

• process for patch submission

COMMUNICATION!

• Language

• irc

• user group, mail list

• bug track system

• email

• the best way is “face to face”

COMMUNICATION!

• attitude

• be kind and helpful

• low profile

• don’t take it personal