Many people who want to pursue a career in programming or application development begin with open source programming. Open source software applications are those that are available for free. All of the programming source code is also available, in addition to access to the actual software. This allows programmers and developers to improve existing code by adding new features or improving existing functions.
When deciding to learn open source programming, the first thing to think about is what kind of applications you want to work on. Open source software is written in a variety of programming languages, and the products range from full enterprise resource planning systems to animation editing software. Determine your areas of interest and the types of applications that will be required in the future.
It’s worth noting that all open source programming languages are fully developed and mature. These tools are complicated, multi-faceted, and designed to be used in a variety of settings. Before devoting time and effort to learning open source programming, consider your options. To achieve a certain level of proficiency in any language, a certain amount of time is required.
The second factor to consider when learning open source programming is your current programming skill level. If you’ve never programmed before, choose a widely used and mature programming language, such as Java® or JavaScript®, if you’ve never done so before. Experienced programmers can jump right into newer languages because they have the background to quickly pick up the new language and a solid understanding of the terminology and logical process.
You can learn open source programming from a variety of books and online resources. Starting with online tutorials is a great idea. They’re all free and give you immediate, positive feedback as you learn. Books are useful, but programming, like cooking, is an interactive activity. Choosing a small project and getting started is the best way to learn.
A number of private online schools offer open source programming courses and tutorials. This method is ideal for people who learn best in a classroom setting. Before paying your course fees, do some research on the instructor’s academic credentials. These courses usually cost between $450 and $600 USD and take six to eight weeks to complete.