[josm-dev] Loading JOSM+plugins into Eclipse for the first time.

[Dirk Stöcker]

On Wed, 7 Oct 2009, Ray Foulkes wrote:

> writing that comment. The reality is that I am far from capable of
> contributing code to JOSM at the moment. I intend to learn more and do
> bits of coding on my own to see if I can understand better how JOSM is
> structured and coded.  Should I be so lucky as to be able to do
> something useful (e.g. fix a bug), I will let you know but I will try
> not to bother you too much since you are the people really making
> progress. Keep up the good work,

Don't try to be perfect, start even if you think it could be better. When 
you make mistakes or the code you send does not fit in, we will tell you. 
When I do not accept patches, then I tell why and also how to fix these 
issues. Nobody is perfect from beginning and even if my comments sometimes 
may be a bit harsh, I always try to reach two goals:

- get better patches,
- allow the contributors to learn for next time.

I also made most of the errors a programmer can make :-) Best experience 
is gained by making errors.

So if you want to contribute, search one of the many bug reports and 
enhancement requests, make a patch for it and attach it there (change the 
subject to contain [PATCH]). There can't be enough coders, as our Trac 
list is growing constantly. When in doubt ask here if you ideas are valid.

P.S. And don't think the main JOSM coders know how the software works. 
Usually you only know the little part you are working at :-)

Ciao
-- 
http://www.dstoecker.eu/ (PGP key available)