Chirag Anand wrote:
> I agree with everyone here...regarding FOSS companies. The reason that I
> raised this point is the recession that we are facing today. Nobody is sure
> of their placements in any company. The only ray of light that we see today
> is open source projects and FOSS companies.

I believe you have got it wrong there. Open Source Projects or, FOSS
companies are not folks who look appealing during a downturn. The moot
point is that if you spend your time becoming a better
programmer/developer, your skills are invaluable to any company. Free
and Open Source Software (projects) provide you a much nicer way to
become such a programmer. These kind of projects teach you most of the
stuff that the rigor of academics might not be coaching you in - working
with virtual teams, getting your code through peer review, building
skills in communication, handling of version control systems etc.

The curricula you read is aimed at teaching you the fundamental building
blocks - what you build using them is completely up to you.

However, FOSS companies have their stakeholders and they work in an
environment that is somewhat different from the culture of non FOSS
companies. Most of the time, hiring in FOSS companies are thus more
quirky than in traditional ones.

> The current thinking of students is that if we are spending time on open
> source projects or even promoting Linux, should give us some fruits in the
> future. Otherwise, its considered a time waste.

Then I'd say that the students are not very smart. Please read the above
paragraph. You need to spend time to become better programmers. There
isn't any other easy way to get a fulfilling job.

> So, my question is: 1. Should students start contributing to open source in
> a hope to get a job?

They should start contributing and keep on contributing because practice
makes you a better performer.



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