Volunteer Programming For Dummies? 195
Tios writes "I've been studying programming languages (C++, Java, C, Visual Basic) on my own with the self-guided, basic textbooks and tutorials, and I'm starting to get tired of working with examples that are not put into real use. I'm motivated to utilize my programming potential, but I've not had any experience programming in a team environment with lead developers, mentors, or collaborators. If finding a programming job isn't an option, I wonder if I could volunteer for programming in an open-source community. If this is a good idea, how do I start? What resources are out there that could get me oriented in volunteering? What kind of basic projects are out there, with a supportive team/mentor for me to develop, practice, learn, and contribute?"
Real World Experience (Score:1, Funny)
If you really want real world experience, then find an open-source project where a key developer has just left. The more isolated, but critical the module they were responsible for, the better. Extra points if the details of their code was known only to them, and if they were fervently against comments of any kind. Step in and attempt to decipher their code in order to add enhancements. Request that the project leader withhold 50% of the requirements for all enhancements until 2 days before a release. Work 80hrs a week to implement those requirements on time, only to have the whole effort canceled at the last moment. Lament how you thought software development was all about teamwork instead of a shallow money trench where good men die like dogs.
Re:Glad you asked... (Score:5, Funny)
Here are a few notes I wrote a while ago on the subject:
http://kegel.com/academy/opensource.html [kegel.com]
http://kegel.com/wine/sweng/ [kegel.com] might also be of some interest.
I'll be honest, I thought those links were to something else entirely.