Getting Started with Free Libre Open Source Projects

Since we're at this conference, we probably all are involved in Free Software or Open Source projects to some degree, even if only as users. Lots of us want to help, but it's hard to know where to start! In this talk we'll look at some common tools and processes prerequisite for involvement in most Open Source or Free Software projects. This talk focuses heavily on the Debian Project for examples, with some explication of how Debian is different from other projects.

Introduction: FLOSS contribution is like Social Media writ large

Ways to Contribute:

Bug crushing

BTS: what it is and how it works

bugs.debian.org - all email based, embraces all issues in Debian IBNLT:

Bugs in programs
Desired features in programs
Declarations of intent (i.e. ITP reports)
Policy and process

rt.bestpractical.com - Request Tracker is a common Open Source bugtracker

Web-based frontend with email interface

Documentation

Media assets

Code monkeying

Communication

Introduction to GPG and its various uses incl. the Debian Keyring.

Email lists

joining vs following via NNTP gateway vs gmane or other Web gateway; list etiquette

Chat

How to IRC; why to IRC; why IRC is still a thing when $FLASHY_NEW_CHAT_APP is *clearly* superior

Programming

How to read source code How to find problems How to make patches Why VCS is important and how to do it (not the *only* way) TIMTOWTDI vs. TIOOWTDI and other Holy Wars and Crusades, and how to remain unbloodied.

Collaboration

Finding help / mentors / mentees Submitting patches How to be a good VCS citizen

Why do it?

What's in it for me?

What you will need

How it works