Open Source | ETL Online

An open source project is a software project whose source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to view, use, modify, and contribute to it. These projects are typically built collaboratively by developers around the world and are driven by community input and shared goals.

Open source fosters innovation, learning, and transparency, making it a powerful way for individuals to improve their skills while giving back to the tech community.

Examples of Open Source Projects

Why should I contribute to Open Source Projects?

Contributing to open source projects is one of the most impactful ways for students to gain real-world experience, improve their coding skills, and build a professional portfolio that stands out. It fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and exposure to large-scale software systems—all while giving back to the tech community.

ETL’s Open Source Contribution Training:

At ETL, we launched a dedicated Open Source Contribution Series to equip students with the knowledge and tools to get started. Through hands-on sessions, Git/GitHub walkthroughs, and live mentorship, we helped students take their first steps into open source—and many of them made their first successful contributions during the series!

About the Trainer:

Kamran Ahmed: Founder of roadmap.sh and a Google Developer Expert who is an opensource contributor since 2013.

Training videos

Open Source Masterclass

Kamran Ahmed, the creator of Roadmap.sh, the 7th most starred project on GitHub, joined us to share his amazing personal journey and provide valuable insights on how to build your portfolio with open source projects. He enlightened us with the career advantages of experience in open source and guided on what roadmap to adopt for reaching your career target in his Open-Source Masterclass.

Open Source Project Contribution Training

Learn how to contribute to open source projects effectively, build your coding skills, and grow your professional portfolio. This video provides step-by-step guidance on finding projects, submitting pull requests, and collaborating with global teams. Ideal for developers, students, and tech enthusiasts looking to make an impact in the open-source community.

OSPC by Kamran Ahmed Session # 1

In the inaugural session, Kamran Ahmed introduced participants to the concept of open source, differentiating it from open core models. Students learned about the various types of open source licenses, which dictate how software can be used, modified, and shared. The session wrapped up with guidance on how to participate in open source projects, setting the stage for future contributions.

OSPC by Kamran Ahmed Session # 2

In this session, the focus shifted to Git and GitHub, essential tools for version control in open source collaboration. Kamran highlighted the manual aspects of using these tools, along with the common risks of mistakes, such as unintentional changes and the complexities of merging work. He emphasized the importance of backups and maintaining a clear history to ensure smooth collaboration, arming students with skills to navigate these challenges.

OSPC by Kamran Ahmed Session # 3

Kamran guided aspiring contributors through the process of creating their own open source projects. Students learned how to effectively present their ideas and explore various types of project concepts. The session included real-world examples from Kamran’s own portfolio, inspiring attendees to develop unique projects that reflect their interests and skills.

OSPC by Kamran Ahmed Session # 4

This session focused on the mechanics of contributing to existing open source projects. Kamran emphasized the significance of understanding project branches, which allow for organized collaboration and development. Participants explored the etiquette and strategies for making successful contributions, gaining insights into how to integrate their work into larger projects efficiently.

OSPC by Kamran Ahmed Session # 5

In the final session, Kamran shared strategies for scaling and promoting participants' own open source projects. He discussed approaches to increase visibility, attract contributors, and foster community engagement. The session emphasized the long-term vision for sustaining and evolving projects, empowering students to turn their initial ideas into thriving open source endeavors.

Still unclear?

Ask us about Open Source on our community portal

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