Getting Involved in Open Source Projects

open source projects

We all should be somehow thankful to the Open Source Projects. As in the past few years, these open source projects have provided us with some very useful software. Even many of the technologies, which we are using in our day to day life these days are because of the open source projects only. Like Python, Firefox, Android, VLC Media Player, and few others. For the new age programmers, open source projects are really a great opportunity. The programmers can contribute towards these open source projects and can help in developing some really great software or techniques. Below, we have mentioned a few things related to open source project, that may help you or inspire you in getting involved in open source projects.

Reasons why one should get involved in open source projects

There is not just one or two, but there are many reasons that can make one involved in open source projects. Here, we have mentioned some of the reasons.

  • With the open source projects, one can share the codes, and it will not just help them but will help others. The thought that the code should be open, helps in contributing more towards the technology and new inventions. As it is not just you who will learn but other people involved in the project will also learn and will get motivated for contributing more towards it.
  • Anyone who is motivated and is very much interested in open source projects can start contributing towards it. So, this not just gives the chance to experienced programmers, but it also helps the beginners. As being a beginner, one may not involve into the main work, but they can always start with fixing minor errors, writing code, and can also try to understand the other programmers or developers work.
  • Being a part of the open source project is itself a great thing. Not just you get to learn a lot of things while working on these projects. But you also get to meet people with similar interests. This helps in increasing your network as well.
  • When you actively get involved in many open source projects every now and then, it increases your credibility also. You are more likely to get a greater number of projects and it will add a great value in your CV as well. Also, when the employers notice you, the chances of promotion or better opportunities are always there.

Know how you can get involved in open source projects

When it is about getting involved in open source projects, there are a lot of things that you can do:

  1. Type of Open Source Project – It is not necessary that you should get involved in every open source project. So, when you are planning to contribute towards the open source projects, first check the type of project it is. It is no harm in getting involved in the projects about which you have less knowledge, as you can learn new things. But try to prefer those projects more which are of your interests. As by doing that, you will be able to contribute more. For example would work on a startup mobile app interest you? Within that would you be interested in a dating app, a local hook up app, or something completely different? The opportunities really are endless.
  2. Check whether it is paid or unpaid – Most of the open source projects are unpaid only. As they are volunteered. But there are few open source projects, which pay their developers. So, if you are looking for an open source project which can pay, then you need to check different communities for open source projects.
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Fun Ways to Learn How to Code

No matter whether your kid is going to do the coding for his/her whole life or not but learning a bit of coding can really be helpful. Coding is not always about the programming and a way to earn the living. It is also about developing problem-solving skills and becoming creative. When your kids will learn to code, it will help them in understanding the logical things and applying the logic correctly to any situation. They will be able to plan things in a better way and with proper strategies. So, there are a lot of things which your kids can learn just by learning the coding.

When coding is a fun thing to do, your kids will get more interested in doing that. There are a number of fun ways for kids to learn how to code. We are sharing some of the fun ways here, with the help of which you can make your kids learn coding. Let’s see what all these ways are:

Use toys for Coding

No kid can deny to toys, and that is why using the toys for coding can be really helpful. Also, the kids will learn to code in different ways using different toys. There are few toys available in the market and on online sites, which are not just simple toys but are really helpful for learning to code. Let’s see what all the toys you can get for your kids:

  • Dash and Dot – This is a kind of robotic game and is suitable for kids of 8+ age. In this game, there are little robots, who will help the kids in learning about the robotics, with the help of the commands. The kids can program the commands to which these robots will respond like voice commands.
  • Let’s start coding – The name itself says, what it is meant for. But this is not any normal toy or game. As this toy includes some objects like lights and circuit boards. There will be a complete tutorial with it, that can help your kid in doing around 20 projects by following the instructions.
  • Lego Mindstorms – The blocks game is always the favorite game for many kids. With this game, you can build a robot, that will respond to the commands given from the app on your phone. This is definitely going to help your kids in becoming constructive by creating such robots.

Make use of coding books

No, we are not talking about those big coding books, from which you have learned the coding in your graduation. We are talking about the coding books that are specially made for the kids. These books can be helpful as a reference for making your kids learn the coding. You can purchase the hard copy books or can also get eBooks available online for kid’s coding learning. Some of the books that are recommended for the kids to learn to code are Super Scratch Programming Adventure, Python for kids: A playful introduction to programming, Star Wars Coding Projects Using Scratch, Code your Own Games: 20 Games to Create with Scratch, Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World, and many others.

Taking help of coding websites

Yes, there are coding websites and they are especially for kids. Most of these coding websites are free to learn. There are some websites, which are specially designed for the kids of age 4 years, whereas, some websites are there for the kids of age 8 years to 16 years. Let’s know some of these websites.

  • Tynker – Tynker is one such platform where the kids can learn different modules of coding. Like from building games to building apps, coding robots to coding drones, there are a lot of things they can learn. It is suitable for the kids of 7+ age.
  • Scratch – Another online coding platform for kids, where they not just can learn coding or make something from their learning. But they can also share their coding work with the world. Your kids can make animations, interactive stories, games, and a lot.

Coding through Apps

At present, we have apps for almost everything. There are food delivery apps, dating apps, free fuck buddy apps, and almost an app for anything you can think of. You will see that there are a lot of apps on your smartphone app store, that can help your kids in learning. And that is why we do have the apps for the coding purpose also. Here, are few apps which your kids can use for learning to code.

  • Udemy – You all would have heard about this app known as Udemy, which is one of the largest online learning App in the world. With the help of Udemy, you can make your kids learn coding and that too easily.
  • Code Combat – This app is especially for the kids to learn coding with the help of different games. Your kids can play the games on this app and can learn while playing because of the coding games.

So, now you know, a number of ways you can help your kids learn to code. All these coding related platforms are good for kids of 7 or 7+ age.

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Computer Science Explained

The study of computers and computational systems is known broadly as Computer Science. It is the study of Processes that interact with Data, and can be represented as Programs. The initial Analog phase of this Science has given way to the Binary Digital phase. Algorithms are used in this Science to manipulate, transform, communicate and store digital information. It is the design and analysis of Algorithms for problem solving using masses of structured Data, and study the performance of hardware and software. Software is the heart of Computer Science, and this Computer Science deals mostly with the design, theory, development and application of Software, while Computer Engineers deal with the Hardware. Computer Scientists study the feasibility and mechanization of certain procedures, which are called Algorithms, and which consists of the collection and acquisition, processing, storage and communication of Data. What is Computer Science, is the subject of this analytical review.

Computer Science vs IT

It may be useful here to compare Computer Science with IT (Information Technology) in order to study our subject in bas relief. Computer Science is not Information Technology, and Computer Scientists are not IT Engineers. While the domain is related, it is not similar. Computer Science is about the analytical use of Mathematics, in order to create programs that enable systems to run more efficiently, and closer to the avowed objectives of investigative science, and includes design, development, as well as aspects of programming and operation. A solid foundation in Abstract Mathematics, Logic, and Critical Thinking is absolutely essential to be a Computer Scientist. IT is closer to Engineering than Science, and generally includes installing, maintaining and improving computer systems, operating networks, and Databases.

Looking Deeper At CS

Problem solving is the main objective of Computer Science, and Coding is one of its main tools. Programming is the name usually given to Coding. Computer Programming is a practical approach, and is the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging and maintaining the Source Code of computer programs. This too is a part of Computer Science, but this is now a vast and varied Science, the fore-runner of Data Science. Computer Science now embraces a mathematical and scientific approach to the storage, retrieval, classification, restructuring, manipulation, processing, computation, transmission, and application of data.

Origins and Evolution

The Computer was said to have been born in 1833, when the still young Charles Babbage invented the first “Analytical Engine”. Data and programs were Input via punched cards, which was already in use controlling mechanical looms such as the Jacquard Looms. A printer, a curve plotter and a bell was used to Output results. Punch cards would come for this too later. Given that the Machine was at least a century ahead of its time, and had to be painstakingly built by hand. But Babbage had also finalized the Functional Theory of Computers by the time he left the stage. In 1888, it was his son, Henry Babbage, who built the machine’s computing usit, and then gave a highly successful demonstration of its use in computing tables in 1906. Nalog Computers came in quick succession, but they were not programmable. Sir William Thomson built the first modern Analog Computer in 1872. Then the Differential Analyzer came in 1927, and this type of computer reached its zenith. After the first model Z2 was created by German Engineer Konrad Zuse in 1939, he followed up with his Z3, the world’s first working electro-mechanical , programmable, fully automatic Digital Computer. Overnight, the picture changed drastically. Pioneering advances such as the Floating Point Numbers replacing the hard-to-implement Decimal Number Sytem, saw the introduction of a brand new field of Science : Computer Science. The question from then on, would not be — What is Computer Science? — but how far is Computer Science advancing.

Some of the finest advances in Computer Sciences are as follows:

  • Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
  • Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • Bioinformatics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Computer Assisted Education
  • Dynamic Host Configuration protocol
  • Integrated Services Digital Networking
  • Object-oriented Technology
  • Berkely Software Design
  • Cognitive Architecture
  • Real World Visual Applications
  • Computational Complexity Theory
  • Computer Aided Architecture & Design
  • Blockchain Theory
  • Cognitive Cloud Computing
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Computer Science Greats

prominent computer scienctists

In this digital world, it would be ungrateful of us were we to forget the pioneers who made it possible. This therefore is a list of just some of prominent/famous computer scientists.

Some of the most Prominent/Famous Computer Scientists are:

Hedy Lamarr: She was dubbed ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Woman’ by no less than Louis B. Mayer, Founder of MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios). She was not only a famous Hollywood Star and European Actress, but is also now recognized as the Inventor of the Bluetooth, used in Smart Phone universally. She and her scientific partner, Composer George Antheil, have both been posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, in 2014. Born in Vienna, Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler, on November 9th 1914, she died on January 19th 2000 in Florida, USA. She is now recognized as the incredible mind behind Secure Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth.

Tim Berners-Lee: World Wide Web was invented, in 1989, by Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee (Qualifications – OM, KBE, FRS, FREng, FRSA, FBCS), who is also known as Tim BL. He is Director of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which is the Web Standards Organization, founded in 1994. His specifications of Web Client and Server, URIs, HTTP and HTML are in use to this day, though refined. He is also President and Founder of the Open Data Institute in London. On April 4th 2017, he won the ACM A.M. Turing Prize, which is also called the Noble Prize for Computing.

Mark Zuckerberg: He is the Founder, CEO and Controlling Share Holder of Facebook Inc. Born on May 14th 1984; he is married to a brilliant Pediatrician and Philanthropist Priscilla Chan. He and his wife are the Co-Founders of the CZI (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative), founded on December 1st 2015 (on the occasion of the birth of their daughter Maxima) and which aims to ‘advance human potential and promote equality’.

Guido Van Rassum: Born on January 31st 1956, in Haarlem, Netherlands, this Dutch Programmer is famous as the Creator of the Python Programming Language. He received the Award for the Advancement of Free Software in 2001. Python operates as three things, a language, a standard library and an execution engine, whereas JavaScript is just a language.

Carl Sassenrath: He is the Founder and CTO of REBOL Technologies, in 1996, and has proceeded to create a new distributed computing architecture for the Internet. He is best known for his original design and implementation of the Amiga Multitasking Operating System. Retiring to a ranch in Northern California, he then proceeded to found Pantaray Inc., American Multimedia, and Videostream. These companies have provided pioneering solutions like CDTV (the world’s first CD-ROM Set Top Box), and Internet Set Top Boxes and Content authoring Systems.

Larry Page: He is the co-Founder of Google, which started life as the greatest Search Engine ever, with Sergey Brin, and one of richest men on the Planet, at a net personal worth of US$66.3 Billion. Though he has now relinquished his post of CEO of holding company Alphabet Inc. to his acolyte Sundar Pichai. Lawrence Edward Page was born on March 26, 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, USA, and is known, with partner Brin, as one of the finest computer minds in the world, as well as one of the top Entrepreneurs existing. Both Sergei and Page remain as controlling shareholders of Google.

Elon Musk: This is a man in the legendary mold of the original Serbian Inventor and Electrical Genius Nikola Tesla. The world renowned company in Tesla’s name, he now owns and runs, has led to the invention of the Tesla, the best Electrical car in the world. He is also Founder, CEO and Chief Engineering Designer of a privately owned Space Project (SpaceX). His accomplishments are like a fairytale. He was born on June 28, 1971 in South Africa, and is citizen of USA, Canada and South Africa. Elon Musk is everything: he is an engineer, industrial designer, pioneering computer scientist, and politician. He has an IQ of 155. And he has an estimated net personal worth of US$31.8 Billion. He is a pioneering developer of computer languages and AI, being the initial Co-Chairman of OpenAI.

Barbara Liskov: Born on November 7th 1939, as Barbara Jane Huberman, she is an American Computer Scientist who leads the cutting-edge research in Distributed Computing, Programming languages and Systems and Programming Methodology. The most important projects include the CLU Implementation and Design, the first programming language that supports Data Abstraction.

Bill Gates: Co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, this man is legend. Richest man in the world (personal estimated worth US$96.3 Billion), Philanthropist, his development of the Windows platform is nothing less than genius.

Brendan Eich: Born July 4th 1961, he is known for his Creator of JavaScript Programming language, as well as the Co-founder of the Mozilla Project.…

BEST UNIVERSITIES FOR A COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE

computer science degree

Computer science is a branch of the engineering field in which the student deals with the software and hardware of the computers. Computer science is known as the top and best branch of engineering. After this branch Information Technology branch comes. Computer science would be the best field for those students who want to deal with the hardware as well as with the software of the computer. Computer science is said to be the best because in this field you get familiar with the programs and working of the machines we use in our daily life. We all know that the present and future time will be of the technologies. So, as we look at computer science from a career perspective, then this branch will have a very good scope in the future. However, in India, if you want to take admission in the engineering course, then the branches are allotted on the basis of the result of the entrance examination. That’s why it is not very easy to get admission in computer science branch.

UNIVERSITIES FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREES

Here are some universities from which students can pursue a degree in computer science. They are listed below:

  • University of Oxford
  • ETH Zurich
  • Stanford University
  • University of Cambridge
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Princeton University
  • Harvard University
  • California Institute of Technology

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

The University of Oxford is located in the United Kingdom. This university is said as the best and oldest one in the town. Initially, the University of Oxford provides learnings and teachings for undergraduate courses (UG) and to students of research in postgraduate courses (PG). Along with the course of computer science, students can also learn different courses which include computational biology, information systems, software engineering, quantum computing, software verification, computational linguistics, etc. The University provides a degree in three undergraduate courses which include single honors computer science, computer science, and philosophy and computer science.

ETH ZURICH

The ETH Zurich college is located in Switzerland. It has been said that this university has a great history in the designing and developing of software of computer systems. The college was founded in the year 1855. The ETH Zurich college is also known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The ETH Zurich college is not much selective in giving admissions to students for undergraduate courses. If the Student is Swiss then the university will give admission very easily. On the other hand, if a non-Swiss resident seeks to take admission in this college, then he/she has to pass an entrance examination.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Stanford University is located in the United States. The university was founded in the year 1965. The university offers the mentioned courses, bachelor’s of science, doctor of philosophy and master of science. The department here performs research in many fields which includes artificial intelligence, foundations of computer science, robotics and programming and scientific computing systems. Along with computer science, the university also focuses on chemistry, linguistics, medicine and construction, genetics, etc.

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

The University of Cambridge is located in the United Kingdom. The university offers courses in computer science. Along with computer science, the university offers MPhil in computer science. This degree would be beneficial for those students who are seeking a Ph.D. in computer science. The university has also formed research groups which perform research in the mentioned fields, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, interaction, and graphics.

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is located in the United States. The university is said as the best university for a computer science course as well as for the electrical engineering course. At this university, the students are encouraged to initiate their start-up plans. Moreover, they are also encouraged for doing case studies. Students here are trained and prepared from both, theory material as well as from practical problems and practice. The university offers postgraduate courses in fields like designing video games, research in robotics, working on supercomputers. Students can also join companies like Google, Microsoft after graduation.

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

Carnegie Mellon University is located in the United States. The university was founded in the year 1900. In the Carnegie Mellon University, a healthy and good relationship is established between the students and the faculties. The university conducts research in brain science, driverless cars, data science, etc. Moreover, along with the United States, Carnegie Mellon University is based in Africa, Australia, Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The Georgia Institute of Technology is located in the United States. The institute was founded in the year 1885. It has been said that this university graduates a greater number of female engineers as compared to any other institute in the world. The university offers different courses which include designing, engineering, business, arts, computing, sciences, etc.…