SourceForging Ahead
SourceForging Ahead... A look into what it will take to begin developing software hosted with SourceForge
Another Future Leaping... Sometimes I get a little bored. Tonight I took a new journey into the world of Open Source Software Development and looked into what it would take to develop software on SourceForge, a world recognized leader of software development in the field of open source.
It is like being immersed into a new culture that has an underground lurking, packed with fellow Geeks. But it is not as clear cut and easy as you might think! There are considerations and guidelines which can be hefty. Let me take you through what they require of someone to start a software project on SourceForge, in the eyes of a complete layman...
The first thing is to see that the software you wish to develop can use an OSI liscense that is recognized or approved. The Open Source Initiative has plenty of information on that on thier website: http://www.opensource.org where you can find the most commonly used liscenses such as the Reciprical Public Liscense. However, the even more popular liscenses available are:
The GNU General Public Liscense:
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl.html
http://www.opensource.org/licenses/bsd-license.php
There is a choice of either Creating a new Project to be hosted on SourceForge, or to request to Take Over an Existing project that may have gone by the side of the road and is now unattended to. Of course, I opt to create my own. But you could, if so desired, look through thier project and locate one to take on yourself.
SourceForge has alot of important tools and resources to utilize when developing software. This includes Custom VHOSTs, Download Mirror Network, Bug Tracking and more. There is a Comprehensive Services Directory for the resources availalble here:
https://sourceforge.net/apps/trac/sourceforge/wiki/Comprehensive%20service%20directory
Hosted Apps at SourceForge include a Gallery, phpBB, WordPress, dotProject, Codestriker and more. Here's a page with a full listing of Apps to opt into for use...
https://sourceforge.net/apps/trac/sourceforge/wiki/Hosted%20Apps
And the Download Service at SourceForge lets you offer your project for download, yes, but It's an "interactive Shell Service" and files are auto distributed worldwide across thier network of mirrors. All File Releases should be a single file, archived in ZIP or TAR formats. 20MB files and higher should use the rsync to transfer.
GETTING STARTED:
register a Project:
IMMEDIATELY AFTER registering the Product/Software, they recommend that you...
Fair enough and good, no problem there, though it sounds like it's more like a jump out of the starting gate before your ready kind of approach, but that's just me, I like having all ducks lined up neatly. But then, they're not after a fully functioning application here yet. basically a laying of groundwork, it doesn't even have to compile or run at all, really, yet.
After that has been started, the next phase is to pay attention to the Description and the "Trove Categorization". On the Developer Page, click on Project Settings and fill out the form or use the links in the right column to manage the projects Trove and Support options.
Then, enable whatever features from SourceForge that are available which may be needed or desired for use. (ie; forum, mailing list, etcetera.)
Tweak things by editing and working out a Wiki for the software. Then, go get some additional help and recruit some developers if need be!!! But getting that help is not going to be forthcomming, they warn on the site that you best continue to work in your solitude and tread along forward while developing an End-User Following to garner sparks of interest.
Getting Additional Developer Help:
NEWS: https://sourceforge.net/apps/trac/sourceforge/wiki/News
Once a Developer wishes to join in, add them here:
https://sourceforge.net/apps/trac/sourceforge/wiki/Project%20control
From here on in you can follow thier advice and just go over this checklist of activities you should be undertaking to make your project a success...
1. Continue to Develop as Regular as Possible
2. Make New releases and Update the Wiki
3. Make Regular Backups!!
4. Give Timely Responses to End Users!!
5. Accept Feedback and Participation
How to Backup your Project:
https://sourceforge.net/apps/trac/sourceforge/wiki/Backup%20your%20data
One additional thing to note is, though I have no idea why it is there yet, they also have a link to request "Enhancements":
https://sourceforge.net/apps/trac/sourceforge/wiki/Request%20an%20enhancement
I have yet to actually "register" a project, but then I want to go over these Liscenses more creafully before committing any of my ideas to this venture. But YES I am definately going to be doing this for some kiond of project! For the experience, the portflio bolstering and the Gekky recgnition if nothing else LOL!! So stay tuned, soon I may be announcing that I'm running a Software Development Project on SourceForge!
I welcome any and all Comments below as usual!! And also...
Please "Like" My Website!
Thanks!!
Last Updated (Monday, 07 March 2011 00:28)