FOSS Club SIGCE

FOSS Club SIGCE - Cultivating an Open Source Mindset :computer::globe_with_meridians:

As the new academic year begins, we’re thrilled to introduce the FOSS Club at SIGCE - a community committed to empowering open source innovation and collaboration on our campus. :handshake: Our mission is to foster a culture of openness, accessibility, and shared knowledge that extends far beyond just code contributions.

At the heart of our club’s initiatives will be a robust calendar of seminars and hands-on workshops. :mortar_board: These events will cover a wide range of topics, from the fundamentals of open source software to the latest tools and technologies transforming the digital landscape. :rocket: By equipping our student members with practical skills and a deep understanding of open source principles, we aim to cultivate a new generation of campus tech leaders who will drive impactful change. :bulb: Whether you’re an open-source veteran or a curious newcomer, the FOSS Club at SIGCE welcomes you to join us on this enriching journey of exploration and growth. :seedling:

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Team Structure

In addition to the Club Lead, the club is managed by a team of 13 core members across various roles.

The team consists of a Lead and Co-lead, and the following positions:

  • Technologists: 3 members

  • Designers: 4 members

  • Social Media Team: 3 members

  • Outreach Team: 3 members

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3 Month FOSS Event Planner

After a brief discussion with our team, we have come up with an event plan for the next 3 months to introduce new users to the open source software ecosystem.
The FOSS Club is excited to kick off a series of seminars covering essential FOSS topics. We will be hosting a combination of online and offline events over the coming months.

January:

  1. Introduction to FOSS/Open Source/Opportunities and Importance of FOSS
    This seminar will provide an overview of open source software, its underlying philosophy and principles, as well as a brief history of the FOSS movement.
    Mode: Offline

  2. Git, GitHub, and Command Line Basics
    We will be discovering the world of open-source code hosting and version control platforms, and learn how to effectively use the command line interface through interactive demonstrations and exercises.
    Mode: Offline

February:

  1. FOSS Software Alternatives
    Exploring free and open-source software tools that provide robust alternatives to proprietary platforms.
    Mode: Offline/Online

  2. Linux Installation & LibreOffice Installation Party
    Get hands-on guidance and support from our team to install Linux on your personal devices.
    Also learn how to download, install, and start using these powerful open-source office suites.
    Mode: Offline

March:

  1. Open Source Pioneers Interview Series
    Watch party featuring interviews with influential technology leaders who shaped open-source computing.
    Mode: Offline

  2. Circuitverse and FreeCAD
    Introduction to open-source platforms for digital circuit design and computer-aided engineering.
    Mode: Offline

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Event 01

January 10th, 2025

FOSS 101: An Introduction to Open Source at SIGCE

Event Overview

The inaugural event of the FOSS Club at SIGCE kicked off with enthusiasm, establishing a new community formed in partnership with FossUnited, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Free and Open Source Software initiatives. The club welcomes students passionate about open source and aims to create an ecosystem where members can learn, contribute, and grow together.

The session dove into the essentials of Free and Open Source Software, exploring its foundational principles through interactive discussions. We explored the four fundamental freedoms that define FOSS, understanding why they matter in today’s digital world. The conversation then shifted to a journey through time, tracing the fascinating history of the FOSS movement and its evolution into the powerful force it is today. We wrapped up by highlighting some major FOSS initiatives that have shaped the technology landscape.

Students showed great interest throughout the session, engaging in discussions and raising thought-provoking questions. This successful launch sets a promising foundation for future FOSS Club activities and events.




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Event 02

January 27th, 2025

Git Connected: Innovate Together

Event Overview

Our second FOSS Club event featured two experienced speakers, Muiz Zatam and Shailesh Sathe, who guided members through the essential world of Git version control. The session balanced theoretical concepts with hands-on practice, giving participants a solid foundation in Git fundamentals and collaborative development practices.

Topics Covered

  1. GIT 101

    • What is git? Why? VCS?
    • Prerequisite shell commands (ls, cd, mkdir)
    • git init & .git folder under the hood
  2. Basic git commands

    • git (status, add, commit, log, checkout, diff, stash, more)
    • gitflow
  3. Git Branches

    • understanding branch-mechanism in git
    • git (branch, merge, switch)
  4. Pull Request & Open source contribution

Both speakers brought their real-world experience to the table, sharing valuable insights and best practices that go beyond basic Git usage. The interactive format allowed participants to clear their doubts and understand how Git fits into modern software development workflows.