Software engineering newcomers barriers and motivations to onboard open source software projects

• Grant number: 15/50084-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2016
• End date: May 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computing Methodologies and Techniques
• Agreement: University of Victoria
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Marco Aurélio Gerosa
• Grantee: Marco Aurélio Gerosa
• Principal researcher abroad: Daniel German
• Institution abroad: University of Victoria (UVic), Canada
• Host Institution: Instituto de Matemática e Estatística (IME). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/21899-4 - A portal for newcomer developers to open source software communities, AP.R

Abstract

Open source software (OSS) projects have risen to great prominence within the last several years and support a large number of today's society activities, becoming an important economic driving force. These projects require a continuous influx of software engineer newcomers for their survival, long-term success, and continuity. However, newcomers usually face many difficulties when entering a project. Thus, a major challenge is how to provide OSS newcomers the appropriate support. To design and implement this support, we are going to conduct qualitative and quantitative research to understand newcomers' motivations and barriers they face. The finding and the demands identified will support the design of a collaborative web portal, putting together previous research efforts from both partners, as well as guidelines for OSS communities. (AU)