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Introduction to Open Source

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BeginnerCourse

This course introduces you to open source software. You'll learn the key concepts, tools, and processes to contribute to any open source project.

4.7 (416 Reviews)

Language

  • English

Topic

  • Open Source

Enrollment Count

  • 6.31K

Offered By

  • IBM

Estimated Effort

  • 4 hours

Platform

  • SkillsNetwork

Last Update

  • January 23, 2025
About this Course
About This Course

"Open source" is a way of working on a project that relies on collaboration, decentralization, and access. Open source software makes source code available to users and invites a community of technical and non-technical contributors to build on and improve it.


This course introduces you to open source software. You'll learn the key concepts, tools, and processes to contribute to any open source project.


First, you'll be introduced to open source software at a high level: what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Next, you'll learn how to contribute to an open source project, from identifying the right project for you, to understanding the different ways to contribute, to following best practices in the open source community. You'll then get familiar with the tools you'll use to contribute to open source software projects, including Git and GitHub. Finally, you'll learn how to set up and host your own project and explore open source leadership, governance, and community.


This course focuses on open source projects in the context of software development, but you don't need coding skills to enroll and reap the benefits. You'll learn how open source software projects are built and improved by a wide range of contributors, including developers, designers, architects, editors, writers, and students. The learning materials are delivered through easy-to-follow slides, videos, and demos, and practice quizzes let you test your understanding of the material before you complete the graded quiz for each module.


Whether you want to gain an understanding of open source projects or simply refresh your open source development skills, this course is for you. If you're an experienced developer or have no coding skills at all, you'll quickly gain the knowledge and expertise to find, contribute to, and lead an open source software project.

Learning Objectives

On completing this course, the learner will: 

  • Understand what an open source project is 
  • Know how to use common open source tools 
  • Be able to find and contribute to open source projects 
  • Create and lead an open source project 
Requirements

None

Recommended skills 

Learners should have basic computer proficiency. 

COURSE SYLLABUS 

Module 1 – Introduction to Open Source Software 

  • What is open source software? 
  • Why OSS matters? 
  • OSS at IBM 

Module 2 – Contributing to Open Source Projects 

  • Choose an open source project 
  • Before you contribute 
  • Different ways of contributing 
  • Start contributing 
  • Best practices 

Module 3 – Open Source Toolbox 

  • Open source tools 
  • Collaboration 
  • Github basics 
  • Github cheat sheet 

Module 4 – Starting an Open Source Project 

  • Hosting your project 
  • Project setup 
  • Licensing 
  • Open source community 
  • Governance and leadership 

Module 5 - Final Exam 

  • Final Exam 
GENERAL INFORMATION 

  • This course is self-paced. 
  • It can be taken at any time. 

Instructors

Gabriela de Queiroz

Program Director at IBM

Manages and leads a team of developers working on Data & AI Open Source projects. Works to democratize AI by building tools and launching new open source projects. I am passionate about making data science available to everybody and is actively involved with several organizations to foster an inclusive community.She is the founder of AI Inclusive, a global organization that is helping increase the representation and participation of gender minorities in Artificial Intelligence. Founder of R-Ladies, a worldwide organization for promoting diversity in the R community with more than 200 chapters in 55+ countries.

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Saishruthi Swaminathan

Technical lead and data scientist in the IBM CODAIT team

My main focus is to democratize data and AI through open source technologies. I have a Masters in Electrical Engineering specializing in Data Science and a Bachelor degree in Electronics and Instrumentation. My passion is to dive deep into the ocean of data, extract insights, and use AI for social good. Previously, I was working as a Software Developer. On a mission to spread the knowledge and experience, acquired in my learning process. Currently leading the education for rural children initiative and organizing meetups focussing on women empowerment.

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Upkar Lidder

Software Engineer

Upkar Lidder is a senior software engineer with 10+ years in IT development including team management, functional and technical leadership roles with a deep experience in full-stack technology. Currently focused on Cloud Native. He can be seen speaking at various conferences and participating in local tech groups and meetups. Upkar went to graduate school in Canada and currently resides in the United States.

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