The latest articles on Forem by Žiga Benko (@zigcbenx). https://forem.com/zigcbenx https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F1520880%2F24a9bbbb-044c-43a5-a3d1-b20ae4ddab8a.jpg https://forem.com/zigcbenx en Žiga Benko Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:34:39 +0000 https://forem.com/zigcbenx/level-up-by-contributing-to-open-source-50i2 https://forem.com/zigcbenx/level-up-by-contributing-to-open-source-50i2 <p>Ever wonder how some software developers seem to grow exponentially while others—maybe even you—don’t? It’s not magic. It’s not some hidden, secret sauce that’s inaccessible. The answer is simple: <strong>open source!</strong></p> <p>Why open source? There’s actually no better place. You have access to code written by some of the best software engineers in the world. For free, you can check out their work, analyze it, learn from it, and even improve it.</p> <p>Here are 3 steps that can help you level up your career:</p> <ul> <li>Explore open-source projects</li> <li>Contribute anything you can</li> <li>Find a mentor</li> </ul> <h2> 1. Explore </h2> <p>Explore open-source projects that use the same technology you're working with. While programming is best learned through real-life examples, you can’t figure everything out on your own. Best practices have already been discovered, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Check out how others are solving the same issues you’re facing, and you might gain new perspectives on how things can be done more efficiently.</p> <h2> 2. Contribute </h2> <p>Contribute—because even small things can make a big difference. Your level of contribution depends on your knowledge and experience. If you know what you’re doing and are familiar with the project, contribute as much as you can. But if you’re a beginner, there’s still plenty you can offer, like fixing documentation, helping new contributors onboard, reviewing issues, or tackling simple bug fixes. Not only will this get you familiar with the project, but you’ll also start fitting into the community, learning a ton along the way.</p> <h2> 3. Find a mentor </h2> <p>If you take on tasks that no one wants to do—like writing documentation, helping others onboard, or fixing small bugs—there’s a good chance that a senior developer will notice your hard work and might offer you some advice in return. That’s how mentorship often starts—through appreciation of your willingness to help. Having someone experienced guiding you can accelerate your growth even further.</p> <p>Contributing to open source isn’t just about coding. It’s about learning, building connections, and growing as part of a global community. The more you contribute, the more you learn, and who knows, you might even find yourself mentoring others down the line..</p> opensource career Žiga Benko Thu, 23 May 2024 18:39:23 +0000 https://forem.com/zigcbenx/open-source-the-world-of-selfless-collaboration-1kon https://forem.com/zigcbenx/open-source-the-world-of-selfless-collaboration-1kon <p>Whether you're a developer or everyday user enjoying the conveniences of modern technology, open source projects likely play a crucial role in your digital experience. From the smart TV in your living room to the information system at your workplace, and even the complex systems within your car or the coffee machine brewing your morning joy – open source is the silent engine that helps different things work together better. It's the secret sauce driving <strong>teamwork</strong> and innovation in many areas.</p> <p>ChatGPT would describe open source as follows: <em>“An open source project is like a big box of Legos that everyone can play with, build on, and share their creations with others for free!”</em></p> <p>Typically, these <strong>"Legos"</strong> represent software components that can be reused across various use cases and projects. Many commercial enterprise software products leverage these open source components. The explanation behind this is simple: why spend time reinventing the wheel when a desired feature often already exists in the open source world? Embracing open source projects is not only a time-saving practice but is actively encouraged within the developer community.</p> <p><a href="https://media.dev.to/cdn-cgi/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fnoy9jrgnsx053xdq7vsh.png" class="article-body-image-wrapper"><img src="https://media.dev.to/cdn-cgi/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fnoy9jrgnsx053xdq7vsh.png" alt="Image description" width="800" height="457"></a></p> <p>Want to know more about enterprises using open source? Make sure to checkout: <a href="https://openpledge.io/companies-supporting-open-source.html">Tech Giants Fueling Open Source Innovation</a>.</p> <p>Open source thrives on the power of community collaboration. It's not just about lines of code; it's about a global community coming together to solve problems, share knowledge, and collectively improve software for everyone. This collaborative spirit extends to the principles of freedom and accessibility, where anyone can access, modify, and distribute open source software, fostering an inclusive and transparent environment.</p> <p>Moreover, open source is not only about building on existing creations but also ensuring the <strong>security</strong> and <strong>reliability</strong> of the software. The transparent nature of open source allows for continuous audits, often making it more secure than closed-source alternatives. Open source projects evolve based on user feedback, ensuring adaptability and relevance in the ever-changing landscape of technology.</p> <p>Read more on security risks of open source in an article <a href="https://openpledge.io/abandoned-open-source-projects.html">From Thriving to Forgotten: The Dynamics of Abandoned Open Source Projects</a>.</p> <p>So, whether you're a seasoned developer or an everyday user, open source is not just a silent engine; it's a dynamic, collaborative force that powers the digital world we live in.</p> opensource programming collaboration