Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

This wikiHow article teaches you how to start developing and maintaining open source software in the programming community. Although the person who does this work is sometimes referred to as a "software hacker", the position is actually aimed at creating and refining the software rather than hacking it. If you are interested in being the type of hacker looking for and exploiting vulnerabilities in your software or operating system, you can refer to the article about becoming a hacker.

Steps

1. 

   Understand what you need for software development. Being a software developer means you spend a lot of time building, tweaking, and updating free software to keep users happy and make the software relevant. To do this, you need to meet the following criteria:
   • An understanding of both system languages ​​(eg C ++) and programming languages ​​(e.g. Python)
   • Know what platform you want to program for (Windows, Android, etc.).
   • Willingness to spend time learning about your chosen software genre, platform and language.

2. 

   
   
   Understand that anyone can become a free software developer. Contrary to popular belief, having a deep understanding of math, prior coding knowledge, and / or a bachelor's degree in computer science (or similar) is not a must. Learn how to be a free software developer.
   • As long as you have an interest in learning how to develop software and are willing to accept criticism when needed, there's no reason you can't become a software developer.

3. 

   
   
   Determine your end goal. Software development can be purely a personal hobby or a full-time career. Determining what you want to achieve before you start learning a programming language or choosing a foundation keeps you focused on your path.
   • Although not too essential, a degree in computer science or software development will help you increase your job opportunities if you are aiming for the ultimate goal of a stable career in software development.
   • If your goal is simply to create an application or program that helps users do something that was once difficult or impossible, make sure the software hasn't been developed by someone else.

4. 

   
   
   Determine which platform you want to work on. Each major platform — Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux — has its own community, preferred programming languages, and individual needs. It is important to know what platform your software will run on before entering the software development profession.
   • It's best to work on the same platform you're developing. For example: If you are developing Android apps, using a Unix-based system like a Mac or a Linux computer would be better than Windows.
   • Linux is a commonly used (and free) operating system for many software developers.

5. 

   Select a code language. There are two types of coding languages. You need to learn at least one language before you go into development, but you still need to know multiple languages ​​later:
   • System language - A computer language used to interact directly with the system. Some notable languages ​​such as C, C ++ and Java.
   • Programming language Language is used to design the interface of the software (what the user will look at) and features. Some typical languages ​​are Python, Ruby, and Perl.

6. 

   Get familiar with the command line. Every computer has a command line application (such as Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on Mac and Linux ...). You can use the command line to interact with the computer, issuing specific commands as needed.
   • Although you don't develop software from the command line, you need to use the command line to run certain programs or integrate software commands with your computer.

7. 

   Download and use Notepad ++. Notepad ++ is an invaluable programming resource because it both makes the coding process easier to follow with the help of graphics, and serves as a great educational tool.
   • While you will use other command-line text editing programs and other programs to write code later on, Notepad ++ is a useful (and free) tool to get you off to a good start.

8. 

   Development environment settings. Selected programming languages ​​and platforms often have development software that allows you to save and test your project on your computer. Such software is called the "development environment". If possible, you should search for and install a development environment for your chosen language before you start learning to code.
   • For example, if you are developing Android apps, you should download and install the Android Studio development kit.
   • Java users will typically use a development environment like Eclipse.

9. 

   Start learning how to program. After knowing what language you want to use, it's time to start learning how to use it. There are many online tutorials — both free and paid — that you can consult, and most libraries have programming language books (for example, "C ++ for beginners). ") allows you to learn a certain language for free.
   • There are many free programming materials out there, so make use of them before signing up for a premium course or class.

10. 

    Find a community that can support your niche. Open source projects like those on SourceForge or GitHub often have a lot of followers. If you can find a project using the same programming language and / or the same goal as your own, you can join the community to comment and follow the development.
    • Like any skill, participating in the creation (even by the observer) is the best way to get hands-on experience.

11. 

    Interact with the community. There are many things you can do, from posting in community forums to starting your own open source project, but the main purpose remains to materialize the idea and overcome obstacles and listen to opinions. community feedback.
    • If you intend to start your own open source project, be prepared to compromise the community on the direction of the project.

12. 

    Look for open source projects to dedicate yourself to. Often times, in software development, your main idea or small project may be being carried out by a community with more experience than you do. If so, you should consider applying for the project. This helps you to both broaden your understanding of how your software project works, and help make your project real, even in the form of teamwork.
    • An open source project might not be your ultimate goal, but it's a great way to gather ideas and create software that's right for your users.

13. 

    Accept public criticism of your software. In the process of developing and disseminating software, you will probably encounter a lot of criticism. Listening to community feedback will shape future development, and will also help you learn shortcuts and methods for solving similar problems for future projects.
    • Not all feedback is constructive. If you find feedback that is rude or unhelpful, try to be polite if you intend to respond.

14. 

    Take part in a software development challenge, program or contest. Often you will find challenges, courses, lectures, classes and competitions in community forums, at places like Craigslist and on campus. Signing up for any event or camp helps you to be well guided, immersed in an environment with like-minded people.
    • One option is Google's Summer of Code program to familiarize students with the open source project and the coding community.

15. 

    Continue to improve skills. Software development is a growing area with the advancement of technology, so make sure you are constantly learning about new projects, languages, operating systems and any information. Any other relation in the field of interest.
    • The success of a free software developer often comes from curiosity. As long as you ask questions and seek answers, you will be productive and work long term in the software development field.
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Advice

• Starting with learning C (or C ++) and Python will give you a pretty solid start, but Java is also a popular choice.
• You will later learn many computer languages ​​during your time as a free software developer.
• Computer programming sounds complicated, but it is really simply communicating with a computer in a language that the computer understands.

Warning

• You should not try to revive an abandoned project that the team no longer did.
• Sitting in front of a computer for many hours can have a lasting effect on your health. Remember to stand up and stretch, look away, and move at least once in several hours.
• Avoid asking questions about programming fundamentals or programming tools on the open source program's talk page. A free software developer 's time is precious. Instead, let's discuss the basics of programming in the amateur community or novice programmer.
• Patience. Like learning any other skill, becoming a free software developer takes time and determination.