Editing Open Source Studio (Spring 2026) (section)

== Overview and Learning Objectives ==
This course has two threads: learning about open source software and its role in modern software development, and making use of this knowledge and building your technical skills by making a substantial contribution of your own. Software engineering often means engaging with existing projects and joining an organization. Even if you are building a new system, chances are you will use an operating system, programming languages, databases, and many platform tools that you yourself did not build -- and probably many if not all of these will be based on open source software. Contributing to open source is a way to push the forefront of technology forward, to sharpen your skills and to stand out from others, and to give back to society. However, it can also be intimidating and confusing -- working in public means facing uncertainty and persisting. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and experience you need to be a successful contributor in this challenging environment.

I will consider the course a complete success if every student is able to do all of these things at the end of the quarter:

* Write and speak fluently about key concepts in open source software.
* Recall, compare, and give examples of approaches to software development, software licensing, and organizational structure.
* Demonstrate an ability to critically apply ideas from the course to an existing open source project.
* Engage with the course material and compellingly present your own ideas and reflections in writing and orally.
* Learn and use engineering tools, in part because the tools themselves are important, and in part to build your ability to adopt new tools.
* Identify areas of ethical concern in open source software.
* Identify opportunities to improve security in open source software.

I also have a "stretch goal": I want your work in this class to help you, in some direct way. Maybe it's having a great answer in a job interview when it's time to convince the interviewer that you have a lot to offer. Maybe it's having a piece of work you can feel good about sharing with others. Maybe it's applying your experience to a new assignment at work. Maybe it's seeing your world in a new way that helps you solve a problem. Or maybe it's just having an answer when someone asks skeptical questions about what you got out of doing a degree in computing! This goal is hard to measure but it's my hope for you and what I'm working for every day during the quarter.

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