Concepts Overview

📄️ What is Open Source?

Open Source can mean a much broad selection of subjects, like the idea of Open Access for research where all research is published in a way that the public does not have to pay to access the work. Or the idea of Open Innovation where concepts, tools and methods that help drive innovation may be shared, like posting 3D models for printing or royalty free images for use on websites. Open source code can be used for studying and allows capable end users to adapt software to their personal needs in a similar way user scripts and custom style sheets allow for web sites, and eventually publish the modification as a fork for users with similar preferences, and directly submit possible improvements as pull requests.

📄️ Collaboration and Communication

Collaboration and communication are at the heart of open source development. Open source projects thrive on the contributions of a diverse and often geographically dispersed community of developers, designers, testers, and users. Effective collaboration and clear communication are key to the success of these projects. In this guide, we'll explore how collaboration and communication work in the open source ecosystem.

📄️ Community

The open source community is diverse and highly motivated. Whether it’s development or advocacy, open source software and other collaborative projects benefit through, and because of, community.

📄️ Documentation

Documentation is any communicable material that is used to describe, explain or instruct regarding some attributes of an object, system or procedure, such as its parts, assembly, installation, maintenance and use.

📄️ Engineering Methodologies

Engineering methodologies are structured approaches to planning, executing, and managing engineering projects. They provide a systematic framework for designing, developing, and maintaining complex systems, products, or processes. By following established engineering methodologies, teams can ensure efficiency, quality, and successful project outcomes. Here, we explore some commonly used engineering methodologies:

📄️ Ethics

Ethics in open source refers to the principles and guidelines that guide the behavior and actions of individuals and communities involved in open source software development. It encompasses a set of values and practices that promote collaboration, transparency, fairness, and responsible use of open source resources. Key aspects of ethics in open source include:

📄️ Governance

Open-source governance is a political philosophy that applies the principles of open-source and open-content movements to democratic principles. It enables any interested citizen to contribute to the creation of policy, as with a wiki document. The legislation is democratically opened to the general citizenry, employing their collective wisdom to benefit the decision-making process and improve democracy.

📄️ Human-Centered Design

Human-Centered Design (HCD) is a user-focused approach to designing products, services, or solutions that prioritize the needs, preferences, and experiences of the end-users. In open source projects, HCD is increasingly recognized as a valuable methodology for creating software that is intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly. In this guide, we'll explore the principles and practices of HCD in the context of open source development.

📄️ Knowledge Transfer

Knowledge transfer is a critical aspect of open source development that ensures the continuity and growth of projects by sharing expertise and information among contributors. In open source, knowledge transfer helps onboard new contributors, maintain project stability, and foster a collaborative environment. In this guide, we'll explore how knowledge transfer takes place within the open source community.

📄️ Leadership Skills

Effective leadership plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of open source projects. Open source communities thrive on collaboration, and skilled leaders are essential for guiding contributors, making decisions, and fostering a positive and productive environment. In this guide, we'll explore the key leadership skills and qualities that are valuable in the open source ecosystem.

📄️ Open Source Licenses

Open source licenses grant permission for anybody to use, modify, and share licensed software for any purpose, subject to conditions preserving the provenance and openness of the software.

📄️ Product Development

In business and engineering, new product development covers the complete process of bringing a new product to market, renewing an existing product or introducing a product in a market. It requires an understanding of customer needs and wants, the competitive environment, and the nature of the market.