# Why Open Source Is Worth Your Time

DevFeed: [Why Open Source Is Worth Your Time](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/why-open-source-is-worth-your-time-33395.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://timkellogg.me/blog/2012/04/22/why-open-source-is-worth-your-time>)

Published: 2012-04-22T00:00:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Tim Kellogg](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/tim-kellogg.md>)

Topics: [Open Source](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/open-source.md>), [Software Engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software-engineering.md>), [Behavior-driven development](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/bdd.md>), [unit tests](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/unit-tests.md>), [Deployment](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/deployment.md>)

Tags: [bdd](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/bdd.md>), [deployment](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/deployment.md>), [open-source](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/open-source.md>), [programming](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/programming.md>), [software-engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-engineering.md>), [tests](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/tests.md>)

## AI overview

The author argues that contributing to a relatively mainstream open-source project is an effective way to improve software engineering skills. By studying and participating in high-quality projects, developers can learn practices such as unit testing, maintainable design, behavior-driven development, deployment, support, and professional responses to criticism.

## Source excerpt

One of my math professors said that our beliefs are shaped by our life experiences. Two people can logically come to two very different lifestyle choices based on how they were raised, taught and friends that impacted them. The lecture was meant to apply to religious and moral beliefs, but I think it also applies to how we grow professionally.