I want to get into Open Source Development

Question

Any advice for making the transition from propriety / corporate development to open source? I really believe in open source and try to use it whenever possible, and I'd like to get involved, but I don't have time to do it for free. I've mentioned my desire to a few colleagues and they were thought it was pretty funny that I expected to make a living (esp. a decent one) doing open source. Should I just forget about it?

Just for the record, I have experience in a lot of different languages and technologies, including Java and C++ which are widely used in the open source world, as well as .NET, which is starting to break through to open source through Mono.

Answer 1

For now, keep your day-time job and start new project during evenings. Make sure you release public something useful that people can play with within like a few weeks (2-4). If it takes you longer, you're doing something wrong no matter how big plans you might have with your software. Make sure what you release is something people can actually keep using even if it's minor tool.

Only very tiny fraction of open-source projects ever make it big enough to earn consulting income to their founders. Keep your day-time job until then. It might take some time but good luck, there are so many ideas yet to be implemented.

Answer 2

Scott Hanselman has a good post on how to contribute to an Open Source project. The main thing is to familiarize yourself with the project, make contact with the project owner and let them know what you're skills are and how you think you can help. From there they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

Answer 3

A famous author, when asked what it takes to be a great writer, thought a moment and replied, "Well, you gotta keep your ass in the chair."[citation needed]

Make sure you are truly committed to your project and that you won't abandon it when life gets busy or it gets boring.

Answer 4

Have you contributed to any open source projects in the past? I think it would be extremely difficult (if not impossible) to transition to full time open source development without a body of work behind you. It's the same as applying for a job or starting a new company - why would someone pay someone without a proven track record?

Answer 5

I agree with lubos but wanted to add that wanting to make a living from open source is a dangerous way to think - you enter the "paid work" mindset, and may get disappointed very quickly.

Try to make something for fun and see how that goes. Everyone has a few hours a week they can spare, if it's something you're interested in.

Answer 6

If you can already use open source in your job, it is easiest to start contributing to these projects. Start submitting bug reports and patches, and make yourself useful. That way your contributions can be mostly on company time.