I’m not complaining, but I didn’t realize how much work it was. It makes me really respect the people who do it on a regular basis.

For example:

  • You know how to use your software, but other people don’t. So you need to write documentation.
  • You can just modify the source files, but it’s impractical for everyone to do that. So you need to add a config file.
  • You can just drag the output files into place, but that’s impractical for everyone to do. So you need to package it.
  • You trust yourself, but distro maintainers rightfully don’t. So you need to package your source code and configure the package to compile it.
  • You will abide by your idea of how the software should be used, but other people might not. So you need to pick a license.

Sometimes I think there must be an easier way, but I can’t think of any. I guess it probably gets easier with experience.

  • Caboose12000@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I’ve never worked on an open source project before but what you’re describing are all my favorite parts of working on my personal projects so far. lol maybe if I get an actually useful project idea I’ll finally become an open source dev

    • notabot@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      If you enjoy writing documentation, creating tests or handling packaging there is any number of open source projects out there that would love your help. If you see a project that interests you at all, get stuck in!