Volunteering For Open-Source Software
When I contribute to open-source software, it is always1 because I have made some change for my own use, be it a new fix or a new feature. I finish the patch. I send in the patch. Optional bantering with the project maintainer. In the end, the patch usually gets accepted.
If you want to contribute on open-source software to get better at programming, go ahead! But do remember that you are doing this for your own benefits, and you can pause and quit at any time.
When working with software, I often see enthusiasm and passion in those involved. I don’t have those feelings, and I guess I won’t burn out either.
on “always”: there is one time where I worked on a project because I felt like it will help someone. I felt awful afterwards. I never did that again.↩︎