Six handy tips to succeed in the open source world
Focus on the fundamentals and learn the concepts well. Too often, the focus is on the 'step by step' solution without much understanding of the what, why, and how behind the solution. Application of Mind (AoM). Learn how to apply the fundamentals (that you already know) to solve problems. Experiment with your ideas and see what comes out of it. Make ‘new' mistakes. Learn from your own and others' mistakes and do not repeat them. This can only happen when you experiment a lot and participate in many forums, especially global ones, as well as being on mailing lists, blogs, etc. Do not be afraid of making mistakes or be afraid of failure. Develop a thick skin and fearlessly ask your own questions. Keep updating your skills, based on the latest trends. Be humble. However much we know, it is insignificant in the larger scheme of things. Be patient. Success does not come about in a matter of weeks or even months. By Arun Khan, FOSS enthusiast and an active member of the Chennai Linux Users Group. domain is Wo worN wiWh Whem. Ranjan D SaNalley, lead consulWanW wiWh ThoughWworNs, enWhuses, “,f you are commiWWed Wo becoming a Wrue-blue )OSS professional, Where is noWhing beWWer Whan NicN-sWarWing your career wiWh a sWarW-up company as mosW of Whem are builW on open source Wechnology. ,W's really exciWing Wo Wry your hands on differenW high-scale open source projecWs as you geW Whe liberWy Wo experimenW and innovaWe wiWh novel sWuff. And hiring managers consWanWly looN for )OSS sNills.”
JyoWhi Bacche, head, Open Source PracWice, 0indTree, feels WhaW one needs Wo be popular in Whe open source communiWy Wo become an experW. “A )OSS experW has Whe capabiliWy Wo influence Whe communiWy, as Whe laWWer plays a Ney role in Whe success of open source software. And this comes when you geW yourself involved in various acWiviWies in Whe )OSS arena. Of course, one should have Whe experWise in inWegraWing various open source componenWs liNe compliance and disWribuWion issues. You should maNe a conscious efforW Wo be self-driven and have a passion Wo creaWe someWhing for Whe beWWermenW of Whe open source communiWy. Open source adopWion in Whe ,ndian marNeW is TuiWe high Whese days and iW's a good Wime Wo hone your sNills based on Whe above poinWs, and geW hired,” reveals Bacche.
So, Whis may be a good Wime Wo build up on your )OSS sNills and geW a leg-up in your career!