How to Start Your Own FOSS Project
Get Involved
Don't just consume Free Software – contribute to it! We share the tips and tricks required to start a successful FOSS project.
There are many ways you can give something back to the free and open source software (FOSS) community. You can help new users come to grips with Linux or write documentation for your favorite app. If you have coding or graphic design skills, you can help in those areas as well. But, what if you're really itching to contribute to a FOSS project and can't find one that really appeals to you? The answer, of course, is to start your own!
Now, obviously, you'll need some prerequisite skills for this. You'll need to be pretty adept at the programming language you're going to use. But don't let that put you off – if all goes well, you'll spend more time implementing patches from other users rather than writing new code by yourself. I can attest to this: When I started the MikeOS project [1], I wasn't especially knowledgeable about x86 assembly language. But I learned the basics – enough to judge the quality of the patches that then started trickling in.
Creating a whole new FOSS project may seem like a daunting task, but if you break it down into steps, it becomes a lot easier. We've watched many FOSS projects come and go over the years – and have our own experiences starting and contributing to them – so this month, we'll share what we've learned to help you successfully kickstart your project.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.