How coding can Git good - Ctrl Alt Lead podcast

Why is it so hard for open source developers to make a living?

Everybody wants it, nobody wants to pay for it – here’s how GitHub is tackling open source’s biggest challenge.

Software runs the world, but it wouldn’t have reached this point without open source. Tools like Drupal, VLC and of course Linux deserve their place in history – so why is it so hard for their developers to make a living?

The fact is that because everyone can use open source software, nobody wants to pay for it – a blocker proprietary, private tools have never had to face. That’s why GitHub, the world’s largest code repository, launched a programme last year to fund open source development.

In the latest episode of the Ctrl Alt Lead podcast, Computing editor Tom Allen talks to GitHub’s Martin Woodward about the Secure Open Source Fund and other support available for the people who build and maintain open source projects.

It’s a plan that’s been in the making for a long time. A year ago, GitHub’s Stormy Peters said she wanted to make that “sure every open source software developer does not have to be a social media expert” to make a living.

As well as the SOS Fund and who can benefit from it, Tom and Martin talked about the robotic elephant in the room: AI code. It’s been lurking on the sidelines for some time and now looks ready to pounce – but Martin said GitHub’s data shows it’s more helpful than harmful.

“We're seeing people iterating faster, creating smaller changes... That's exciting to see.”

AI is also boosting the efforts of people without English as a native language, like Indian developers – which is a massive growth region.

“You shouldn't have to have completed your English education before you can do computer science, before you can ask questions,” said Martin.

To hear more, including what GitHub’s stats show about how developers are using AI and Martin’s predictions on the future of AI coding, listen to the full podcast now by watching the video above, using the web player, or finding Ctrl Alt Lead on Simplecast, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.