People's experience of contributing to online Programming projects

AI Thread Summary
Engaging in online open source projects, particularly those related to physics and science, is frequently recommended for enhancing programming skills. Participants in the discussion express curiosity about others' experiences with these projects and the specific ones they have worked on. While open source contributions can significantly enhance a programming resume by providing tangible code samples for potential employers, many projects are deemed too advanced for beginners, necessitating prior experience. Some individuals have opted to create and share their own programs on platforms like GitHub instead. Concerns about skill levels and the potential to hinder project progress are common, leading to hesitance in participating. Overall, the thread highlights a desire for shared experiences and insights into the benefits and challenges of contributing to open source projects.
Narrac
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Have seen in a number of posts here on PF, suggestions that people get involved in online open source projects to help practice their programming skills. In particular projects with physics/science applications.

Just wondering if many people have tried this and want to share their experience of doing this, and what projects they worked on?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would second this question expecially in regards to science open source projects.
 
That is a good question. People always say that open source work is great for a programming resume, and for good reason- being open source means that the place you're applying to can directly look at the code you've written. But I think most open source projects that are being actively developed are too advanced for a beginner- you need some experience first before you can dive into, say, the Linux kernel. So when I was looking for programming jobs I just made my own programs and put the source code online. Github is usually the place people use for this.
 
Not many replies, hope that is not a sign that people's experience was so bad they don't want to talk about it!, or else no one is taking the advice and getting invloved in the first place!

In my own case, I have 'good' experience in programming from work, but, I always think that rating your ability is very subjective and as a result am cautions about getting involved in any projects for fear of getting in the way or holding things up by not being as good as what is expected.

Anyway, was just hoping to hear some other people's experience before I take a plunge and mess up someones project.
 

Thread 'Working for defense company?'

I don't know if anyone on here works for any of the well known defense companies of your country, whichever country you are from?? Also, if you choose to work in one, do you think the engineering education provide from your school would adequately prepare you for the job. What do I mean by that? Well if you work at say Lockheed Martin and you work in the latest iteration of a missile or if you work at Pratt & Whitney, they assign you to work in the team helping out with building the jet...
View full post »

Thread 'Physics Major Considering Masters in EE -- Need help!'

Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...
View full post »

Thread 'Is a career in Optics/Photonics engineering right for me?'

So lately, my interest in the realm of optics/optoelectronics/photonics engineering has grown and I have started to seriously consider pursuing a career in the field. I have done a bit of career research and also have done some learning on the side to gather more knowledge on these topics. However, I have some questions on what a career in these fields would look like, and I wanted to find out more about this area to know what I would be getting myself into if I did make the choice to pursue...
View full post »

Similar threads

Other Is a Karate (Martial Arts) Physics Project a good idea?
Replies
18
Views
2K
Engineering Pursuing Research in Engineering Versus Hobby Projects
Replies
3
Views
3K
Statistics Project for Employers
Replies
2
Views
1K
Job Skills Overwhelmed by Choices: Seeking Advice on Staying Engaged with Project
Replies
21
Views
2K
Biology Confused about pursuing PhD (Indian Scenario) -- Help please
Replies
6
Views
3K
Other Strategy for going from postdoc to software
Replies
2
Views
2K
Engineering Thinking about switching my PhD program
Replies
1
Views
2K
Physics Career Advice For Final Year Physics Student (UK)
Replies
14
Views
3K
Engineering What jobs can I get with a PhD in EE and web development skills?
Replies
15
Views
3K
Other Writing a resume for data science positions
Replies
29
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top