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Volunteer Programming For Dummies?

Posted by Soulskill on from the learning-the-ropes dept.

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?"

2 of 195 comments (clear)

  1. Supportive? Open source? Forget about it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    The only things in open source sparser than the documentation is humility and supportiveness. You'll find no project as you describe.

  2. Don't do it! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    The open source commmunity will only take and take and never give. They love the free software and they don't care if they bleed you dry in the process.