Open Source Is Not One-Size-Fits-All — Find Your Fit
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A developer shares two open source contribution experiences separated by over a decade: a failed 2011 attempt with Apache Flex due to imposter syndrome and poor community engagement, and a successful 2023 journey with FINOS Common Cloud Controls that led to becoming a project maintainer and ambassador. Key lessons include embracing ambiguity, engaging with the community before contributing code, starting small, and leveraging existing skills. The post also debunks common myths about open source (needing to be an expert, needing to write code, communities being unwelcoming) and offers practical advice on finding the right project fit.
Table of contents
Beyond the BubbleWhat is Open Source?My First Attempt (Failure Story)Why it Failed?My Second Attempt (Success Story)Why the Second Attempt WorkedHow to Find the Right ProjectSetting the Correct MindsetMyths About Open SourceSort: