GHOP - An Awesome Opportunity
Ever since the beginning of the Google Highly Open Participation Contest, both Kevin and I have been thinking of it non-stop. You can probably call it a borderline obsession. This contest is very important to us because we both are big fans of Google and what it stands for. Since my main OS is Linux based (I use Ubuntu), I’ve been using open source software for over a year now, and I’ve always wanted to contribute to the community.
This competition is a great opportunity for any teen, and every teen should give it a try. Yes you! You don’t need to know any sort of programming to participate. In fact, most of the challenges aren’t code based. The tasks range from translating stuff into other languages, to making tutorial videos on how to use open source software, to making songs and artwork in the spirit of open source and the companies that represent it. There really is something for everyone in this competition.
I’ve been working on a programming task for Joomla! where I have to upgrade a component written for Joomla! 1.0 to work on the new Joomla! 1.5. A major part of our tasks is integrating with the Joomla! community. We have to introduce ourselves on the Joomla! forums, and interact with the open source community there. Upon doing so, we are given a mentor to help us out with our task. I’m loving the experience of working with the Joomla! community for so far, and I have to say everyone is very nice over there.
If anyone is interested they can take a look at the component I’m working on here.
Kevin and I are really enjoying this competition, and I’m sure everyone else would too!
~Josh B.
