Why Your Open Source Contribution Probably Doesn't Matter
The Harsh Reality of Open Source Contributions When you decide to contribute to an open source project, you’re often driven by a mix of altruism, a desire to learn, and perhaps a hint of ego. You envision your code being used by thousands, your name etched in the project’s history, and the gratitude of the community. However, the reality is often far from this idealistic picture. The Maintenance Burden One of the most significant issues with open source contributions is the maintenance burden. When you submit a pull request (PR), you’re not just adding a feature; you’re also adding to the project’s long-term maintenance costs. This can be overwhelming for maintainers, who often find themselves shouldering the bulk of the workload. ...