contributing to an open source project

[André]

On Dec 5, 4:50 pm, kdt <dorjeta... at googlemail.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I am looking for an open source project to contribute to, to enhance
> my python skills. I have about 6 months experience in the language. I
> have searched freshmeat.net, but as I'm pretty new, I'm not sure which
> projects I would be able to contribute to.
>
> If anyone can suggest any open source projects python projects that
> would be suitable for a beginner, and where mentoring might be an
> option, please let me know.
>
> Thanks
>
> karma

Many projects are suitable.  I believe that the best way is to choose
a project that interests you (as an end user), download the source and
documentation, join the mailing list, and start reading. Ask yourself:
* Is this function/method/module (unit-)tested?
* Is the documentation clear?
* Are the comments consistent with the code?
* Are there bug requests/request for enhancements, etc., that sound
interesting?

You can probably contribute in all of the above areas on any given
project.

If you are a pre-university student, consider participating in
Google's HOP contest (GHOP).  If not, you can still have a look at the
tasks assigned to the students
http://code.google.com/p/google-highly-open-participation-psf/issues/list?can=1&q=&colspec=ID+Status+ClaimedBy+Due+Summary&cells=tiles

both completed or not and see if something inspires you.

Finally, if I may suggest a specific project, you can have a look at
Crunchy
http://code.google.com/p/crunchy
If you want to get an idea of what Crunchy is about, without
downloading the code, you can look at the introduction video
http://showmedo.com/videos/video?name=1430000&fromSeriesID=143
The interesting bits are more towards the middle and the end.  To give
you an idea of what you could contribute to Crunchy, there have been
some tasks assigned in GHOP mentioned above - more of these could be
found.

André