Open Source Software

Development
Teacher: Shariq Aziz Butt
 Distributed Software Development
(DSD)
 Explanation of distributed software development (DSD)
and its significance in modern software development
practices:
 Distributed Software Development refers to the practice of
developing software across multiple geographic locations,
often involving teams or contributors spread across
different regions or countries.
 In this slide, we introduce the concept of DSD and
highlight its importance in contemporary software
development methodologies.
 We discuss how advancements in communication
technology and collaboration tools have made distributed
development more feasible and prevalent in today's
globalized world.
Advantages of Distributed Software
Development
 Discussion on the advantages of DSD, including
increased productivity, access to diverse talent pools,
and flexibility in project management:
 We examine the benefits of DSD, which include the
ability to tap into a global talent pool, enabling access
to specialized expertise and diverse perspectives.
 We discuss how distributed teams can work around
the clock, leading to increased productivity and faster
development cycles. Additionally, we highlight how
DSD allows for flexibility in project management,
accommodating different time zones and work
schedules.
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 Illustration of how DSD aligns with the decentralized
nature of open source communities, enabling
contributions from developers worldwide:
 We draw parallels between DSD and the
decentralized nature of open source communities,
emphasizing how both models embrace distributed
collaboration and contribution.
 We showcase examples of successful open source
projects where contributors from around the world
come together to develop innovative software
solutions, leveraging the advantages of distributed
development processes.
 Challenges in Distributed Software
Development
 Identification of challenges in DSD such as
communication barriers, time zone differences,
and coordination complexities:
 We delve into the challenges associated with DSD,
including communication barriers arising from
cultural differences, language barriers, and
technological constraints.
 We address issues such as time zone differences,
which can lead to delays in communication and
coordination, as well as the complexities of
managing distributed teams across different
locations.
 Introduction to Global Software
Development
 Explanation of global software development (GSD) and its
relevance in the context of open source software development:
 Global Software Development (GSD) refers to the practice of
developing software across geographical, cultural, linguistic, and
organizational boundaries. It involves collaboration among
distributed teams or contributors located in different parts of
the world.
 In the context of open source software development, GSD is
highly relevant as many open source projects operate on a
global scale, with contributors and users from diverse
backgrounds participating in the development process.
 We discuss how GSD enables open source projects to harness
the collective expertise and resources of a global community,
resulting in more robust, innovative, and inclusive software
solutions.
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 Discussion on how GSD extends beyond geographical
boundaries to include cultural, linguistic, and organizational
differences:
 GSD encompasses not only geographical differences but also
cultural, linguistic, and organizational differences among team
members.
 We explore how cultural differences in communication styles,
work practices, and decision-making processes can impact
collaboration in GSD environments. Similarly, linguistic
diversity may present challenges in effective communication
and documentation.
 Additionally, organizational differences, such as varying project
management methodologies or corporate cultures, can
influence how distributed teams collaborate and coordinate
their efforts in GSD.
 Benefits of Global Software
Development
 Exploration of the benefits of GSD, such as access to diverse
perspectives, reduced development costs, and accelerated
time-to-market:
 We examine the advantages of GSD, including access to
diverse perspectives and expertise from different regions
and cultures. This diversity of thought fosters innovation and
creativity, leading to more robust and inclusive software
solutions.
 GSD also offers potential cost savings, as organizations can
tap into lower-cost labor markets or leverage economies of
scale through distributed development teams.
 Additionally, GSD can result in accelerated time-to-market,
as round-the-clock development across different time zones
enables faster turnaround times for project deliverables.
 Link with Open Source Software
Development
 DSD and GSD are essential topics in an Open
Source Software Development course for
several reasons:
◦ Alignment with Open Source Principles:
Open source projects often operate in a distributed
and global context, with contributors from around
the world collaborating on code development and
project management. Understanding DSD and GSD
practices is crucial for students to effectively
participate in and contribute to open source projects.
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 Relevance to Collaboration Techniques:
◦ DSD and GSD topics provide insights into
collaboration techniques, tools, and best practices
that are applicable to open source software
development. Students learn how to navigate
communication barriers, coordinate with remote
team members, and leverage diverse talent pools,
which are critical skills for engaging in open source
communities.
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 Real-World Application:
 Case studies of successful open source projects:
◦ Open source projects serve as prime examples of how Distributed
Software Development (DSD) and Global Software Development
(GSD) practices are effectively implemented in real-world
scenarios.
◦ These case studies showcase how distributed teams collaborate
across geographical and cultural boundaries to develop, maintain,
and enhance software products.
◦ By examining these real-world examples, students gain practical
insights into the challenges, strategies, and best practices
associated with DSD and GSD.
◦ Additionally, students can learn from the successes and failures of
these open source projects, allowing them to apply similar
approaches in their own software development endeavors.
 Real-World Application
 Linux Kernel Development:
 The development of the Linux kernel is a classic example of
DSD and GSD in action. Thousands of developers from
around the world contribute to the Linux kernel,
collaborating remotely through code repositories.
 Contributors work on various aspects of the kernel,
including device drivers, file systems, networking protocols,
and security features. The decentralized nature of the Linux
development process allows for rapid innovation and
continuous improvement.
 The Linux kernel is used in a wide range of devices and
systems, from smartphones and tablets to servers and
supercomputers, demonstrating the global impact of open
collaboration in software development.
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 Apache Software Foundation Projects:
 The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) hosts a multitude of
open source projects, including the Apache HTTP Server,
Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, and Apache Kafka.
 These projects attract contributions from developers and
organizations worldwide, leveraging the expertise and
resources of distributed teams to develop and maintain
high-quality software.
 For example, Apache Hadoop, a distributed computing
framework for processing large datasets, has contributors
from various countries and organizations collaborating on
its development. The distributed nature of the project
allows for scalability and resilience in handling big data
workloads.
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 Preparation for Professional Software Development:
 Understanding DSD and GSD prepares students for careers in
professional software development:
◦ In today's globalized and interconnected world, distributed and global
collaboration are increasingly prevalent in professional software
development environments.
◦ By learning about DSD and GSD principles, students are better
prepared to navigate the complexities of distributed and global
software development practices in their future careers.
◦ The skills and knowledge acquired through studying DSD and GSD are
highly transferable and applicable across various industry settings,
including both open source and proprietary software development.
◦ Mastery of DSD and GSD concepts enhances students' competitiveness
in the job market, as employers increasingly seek candidates who can
effectively collaborate with distributed teams, manage cultural
diversity, and navigate cross-border project dynamics.
 References
 Damian, D., & Zowghi, D. (2003). Distributed software development: An
overview of current practice. IEEE Software, 20(3), 20-27. DOI:
10.1109/MS.2003.1191467
 Herbsleb, J. D., & Moitra, D. (2001). Global software development. IEEE
Software, 18(2), 16-20. DOI: 10.1109/52.920645
 Global Software Development (GSD):
 Dingsøyr, T., Nerur, S., Balijepally, V., & Moe, N. B. (2012). A decade of agile
methodologies: Towards explaining agile software development. Journal of
Systems and Software, 85(6), 1213-1221. DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2011.11.009
 Herbsleb, J. D., & Grinter, R. E. (1999). Architectures, coordination, and
distance: Conway's law and beyond. IEEE Software, 16(5), 63-70. DOI:
10.1109/52.790099
 Open Source Development:
 Fitzgerald, B. (2006). The transformation of open source software. Software,
IEEE, 23(1), 58-64. DOI: 10.1109/MS.2006.15
 Crowston, K., & Howison, J. (2005). Hierarchy and centralization in free and
open source software team communications. Knowledge, Technology & Policy ,
18(4), 65-85. DOI: 10.1007/s12130-005-1024-3