What is FOSS?

Free

You use the software - and you don't need to pay for it.

Open Source

You can see/edit the source code of the software - without using a de-compiler and without facing legal repercussions. 

Reusable

You can reuse the source code to build something of your own.

Universal Access

Any one can access Open Source Software from anywhere around the world.

Alright, so?

Just think!

How cool it would be ...

... if you could customize your software experience according to your needs ...

... and also help the developers of the software improvise it?

And that's what Open Source is all about!

But how is it different from me creating something of my own?

When you have an issue with your code, what do you do?

• Ask a friend?
• Ping a senior?
• StackOverflow?
• Google it?
• Create a feature around it?

Asking a Friend/Senior

Generic Responses

• Abey yaar! Infy pain hai, assignments karne hain. baad mein batata hoon.
• Placement season hai, TA se kyun nahi poochhta
• Google to kar!

Asking a Question of SO

Title: How to run des codez

Description: My code not working. This is code. Please make it work. 

Asking a Question of SO

Title: How to run des codez

Description: My code not working. This is code. Please make it work. 

2 minutes later ...

Votes: -1

Asking a Question of SO

Title: How to run des codez

Description: My code not working. This is code. Please make it work. 

7 minutes later ...

Votes: -5

Asking a Question of SO

Title: How to run des codez

Description: My code not working. This is code. Please make it work. 

An eternity later ...

Votes: -10

Comment: Yer a faggotz

Disclaimer

No, StackOverflow ain't bad, it's just not the right place for asking Google-able questions.

And in the end ...

You put together a piece of software that may or may not work on all systems, that may or may not be useful, that may or may not look good.

Behold Open Source!

Open Source Software is GENERALLY ...

Well Documented

• API Docs
• Blogposts
• Doxygen, Javadoc, etc.

Well Supported

• IRC
• Mailing lists
• Gitter

Well Designed

• Specs before coding
• Rigorous testing
• User-developer interaction

Plus, you'll always get help, no matter how fundamental your doubt is!

Why should I become a contributor?

Benefits

• Real world coding experience
• Opportunities to interact with people all around the world
• Swag
• Swag
• Swag
• Resume point

Alright, I'm in. How do I start?

Method I: Get crackin'

Method 2: A program like GSoC

How's GSoC Different?

Internship

It's like an internship, only better. You work for home and earn a lot.

Preference

Participating communities take GSoC students very seriously.

What do I get out of it?

GSoC is a rewarding experience!

• 5500 USD
• Swag
• An internship point in your resume
• Bragging rights