Intro to Open Source Software

You're probably using open source software already, like the popular Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/) web browser. Many websites are built with open source tools like Wordpress (http://wordpress.org/) and Drupal (https://drupal.org/), and companies large and small make use of open source components like the Linux (http://www.ubuntu.com/) operating system.

This session will provide an introduction to open source. If you've ever had a question about when and how to use it, or how to join an open source project - this class is for you.

Some of the things we'll cover:

• What is open source? What is the open source "philosophy?"

• Open source licenses and licensing (what are they and what do they mean).

• Overview of tools project built as open source - you're probably already using or have heard of at least one.

• Brief introduction to Git / Github (https://www.meetup.com/Girl-Develop-It-Philadelphia/events/158558102/), and other tools used to make open source stuff.

• How open source has become more than just "software" - open source ideation, open source governance, open source policy making.

• 5 ways that you can participate in an open source project right now - even if you're not a seasoned coder.

About the teacher:

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/6/1/6/600_330158422.jpeg

Mark Headd is the Chief Data Officer for the City of Philadelphia, and was formerly Director of Government Relations at Code for America (http://codeforamerica.org/). A coder and civic hacking veteran (http://civic.io), he has advocated for the adoption of open source technologies in government for over 15 years. Self taught in programming, he holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and is a former adjunct instructor at the University of Delaware teaching a course in electronic government.