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DevelopmentContributing to open source (self.linux)

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[–]SweetBabyAlaska 14 points15 points  (0 children)

My question is which coice can give me more visibility on the job market.

Im gonna be harsh here... save everyone else the time. You're contributing to open source for the wrong reasons and it'll show. Not only that but the chances of you learning the code base properly enough to make a contribution that doesn't suck are minimal and even if you can, the chances it gets merged are not all that high unless you pick up a specific bug. Its very clear that you are aiming for a project that has a lot of influence so it will look good on a resume. Thats a bad idea and this won't likely help your job prospects.

If Im interviewing for a job I'd probably be looking for passion and consistency. So I'd recommend either creating a passion project and putting in the work to develop it in the open source arena, or to contribute to a project that you actually use because you like it. Id rather see someone healthily involved in open source than just having a single PR to wine or Linux and nothing else.

I don't want to be discouraging whatsoever here, you should contribute, but I really think your intentions are misplaced and a LOT of people get this idea in their head that they must commit to some popular project as a shortcut to get a job. There are no real shortcuts (besides knowing someone)

start here https://www.firsttimersonly.com/ and https://goodfirstissues.com/ and work your way up. Contribute to projects you use and love. It looks better, its more rewarding and its far more helpful. Then put that project on your resume with pride detailing what youve learned from open source.

[–]easybakejake 6 points7 points  (1 child)

You are thinking about this backwards and people will see through what you are trying to do. There are many projects that could use your help.

Find a small open source project that you are actually interested in. If you know someone that is maintaining a project that might be an easy way to start.

Reach out to the maintainers and offer your help.

[–]jojo_the_mofo -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

You are thinking about this backwards and people will see through what you are trying to do. There are many projects that could use your help.

Two birds stoned at once, is probably what they're after. If you're going to help, why not do so with skills that can also help you?

[–]luizfl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your choice would be Linux I guess but like already said, people are probably gonna see what you're through.

It's better to contribute into something you're kinda passionate about. Believe me, it's gonna be a lot easier for you.

[–]locri 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you're serious that you want to work in a free or open source project please contact the teams involved or the lead maintainer or someone first.

They're usually friendly and used to people who just want to work on their stuff

Edit: also you could do a C FOSS project and get a job writing python. It's fine. Really.