Featured on Sun Developer Network- South Asia

SDN South Asia has featured me here based on my active participation in Code For Freedom.

SDN Feature

The interview is available at http://developers.sun.com/asiasouth/news/amitsaha.html

Reproduced below:

1. Why did you participate in the Code for Freedom (CFF) Contest?
   
   My involvement with Open Source started 5 years ago when I started using GNU/Linux. Gradually, the involvement is becoming stronger and I am now an active contributor to some Open Source projects in the form of Code and Documentation. CFF was announced at a time when I had just started contributing to NetBeans Community Docs project. I saw a chance to play a greater role in the NetBeans Community by signing up for CFF (to provide the motivation- a sense of responsibility, and get some recognition too! Hence, I signed up for CFF, also let me mention that since it was by Sun that attracted me more.
   
   
2. Please give us details of your project for the Code for Freedom Contest
   
   As of now, my contributions have been as a coordinator and contributor to NetBeans Community Docs. I am also the creator-cum-onlooker of a NetBeans Community Docs sub-project.
   
   Soon, i plan to start on either/both of the following:
   
   
   1. Python support for NetBeans
   2. XAM related utility for NetBeans
   
   
   
3. What in your opinion do such contests help in?
   
   Any Open Source project helps in making a better programmer. Further such contests help in motivating you further with cool prizes and goodies.
   
   It also helps in learning the dynamics of Open Source, which is getting to know the functioning of a distributed development scenario. IT biggies like Sun are playing an active role in Open Source, so you are making yourself future-ready.
   
   
4. Give us your thoughts on Sun Microsystems as a propagator of Open Source technologies
   
   I am absolutely in love with the Open Source efforts at Sun. I currently work on ODF Toolkit for Java, NetBeans projects - both of which are Sun backed projects. The engineers involved are great mentors, friendly, and quick to help you. I look forward to be a part of the Open Source team at Sun.
   
   
5. How important is open source technology for students?
   
   It is very important. Some of the benefits are:
   
   
   • Makes you a better programmer
   • It makes you think, since you are your own guide
   • Makes you future ready

Thank you Sun!