Previously, we talked about Linux and its distros (flavors), and one of the reasons why everyone is using and learning Linux is because of collaboration. Yes, the Fedora distro is a typical example of this.
What is the Fedora Project?
The Fedora Project is a collaborative effort driven by a community of individuals passionate about Open Source Software, and the project is sponsored by RedHat. Their primary goal is to create and sustain a free open-source OS (Operating System), and this OS is built upon the Linux Kernel. They build things like Servers, desktops, laptops, and embedded devices.
You may ask, on what principles and values does the Fedora Project base its development process? I call them the 4 F’s.
Freedom: It promotes the idea that users have the freedom to use, study, modify, and redistribute the software as they see fit.
Friends: This promotes an inclusive environment where contributors from different backgrounds can come together to work on the project.
Features: This promotes the idea of providing users with the latest features, updates, and improvements.
First: This prioritizes timely delivery to users, ensuring that they are among the first to benefit from new developments and innovations within the software.
When you combine all these principles and values, the Fedora Project not only produces a high-quality Linux distro but also promotes innovation, creativity, and a vibrant open-source community.
Collaboration: The Key to Success
Take, for instance, you have acres of land (Linux), and a portion of it is given to each contractor (distros/flavors), now the Fedora Project is apportioned its own where Red Hat is in charge of supplying the workers/contributors with materials they need to build on the land. Remember, it's a collaborative effort (from those handling the building plan (designers) to bricklayers (developers) to electricians, carpenters, etc.
In this instance, RedHat takes on the role of the entity that provides resources and support to the contractors working on the Fedora portion of the land. They supply not only materials and tools but also expertise and guidance to ensure the success of the Fedora Linux distribution.
Similar to a construction project, the contributors of the Fedora project come from different IT backgrounds and fulfill different roles, from planning and documentation to development, testing, and design. Each contributor brings their skills and efforts to the collaborative effort, working together to build and maintain Fedora.
While Red Hat and its employees (Red Hatters) are involved in providing a certain level of sustenance and support, the strength of the Fedora Project lies in its diverse community. On the commercial side of this project, there are also employees from Meta and Amazon who contribute to Fedora. Additionally, other downstream builds like CentOS Stream, AlmaLinux, and Rocky Linux are ultimately derived from Fedora in the end.
At this point, you’ll agree that to effectively build this project, collaboration, and communication within the Fedora community are crucial. This ensures that the development process runs smoothly, quality standards are met, and the final product aligns with the needs and expectations of its users.
Opportunities and Challenges
For me, initially joining the Fedora Project, I found it quite confusing to navigate the different communication channels, but with time, I developed a better understanding. Learning which platform to use for each purpose, how to create tickets, monitor them, and how to escalate for urgent responses. I wouldn't say it was a challenge, but rather more of a learning experience because it forced me to think outside the box to complete tasks. For instance, during collaboration with the design team, I encountered Inkscape. Despite my proficiency in other design tools such as Photoshop and Canva, I seized the opportunity to learn Inkscape. The team's support, including providing resources like the Brand Handbook and Logo Repository, as well as offering constructive feedback, were invaluable. Their willingness to assist made the transition seamless, and I quickly felt like an integral part of the team. This phase of learning and growth has been one of the highlights of my journey, an amazing experience I would love to continue, and I'm happy to now consider myself a contributor to the Fedora Project. Yaaay!
Conclusion
If there's anything I find interesting about Fedora, it's its inclusivity. The fact that people from different IT backgrounds come together to achieve a common goal without looking down on anyone is commendable. I also find the 4 F's amazing; it's a solid bedrock that was well-crafted, and I appreciate how they guide the development process with clear principles and values.
Would you like to learn more about Fedora's mission and organization? click here and here.
If you are considering contributing to Fedora, stay with me; I’ll show you how in the next article.
📷Photo credit: Fedora.