Building the Ubuntu App Development community (I): communication channels
One of the main objectives for the Ubuntu 12.04 cycle is to build upon the foundations set by the Ubuntu App Developer site, My Apps and the Ubuntu Software Centre and start building an Ubuntu App Developer community to realize the vision of a rich ecosystem of apps around Ubuntu. This is the first of a series of posts that will discuss several aspects of this goal, how to get involved, and the benefits of Ubuntu as a target platform for both developers and users.
An important aspect of each community is to ensure that there are easily accessible resources that can act as a venue for communication for anyone wanting to get involved. For the Ubuntu App Developer community, but also in general, the degree of involvement will then vary according to what the individuals connecting to our app developer story are looking for. Some will be seeking help, some will be able to provide help, some will want to contribute to build the developer story, some will want to stay up to date with the news, some will write applications... The first step is to ensure that we cover the main venues, or connecting points to our story for them.
We already started out creating some of these resources ready for the launch of the Ubuntu App Developer last cycle, but we've been adding some more recently and I thought at this point it would be a good opportunity to provide an overview of the variety of ways to get involved and stay up to date with App Development in Ubuntu. So without further ado...
Stay up to date
This is a set of channels to follow and share the news and announcements related to Ubuntu App Development.
The Ubuntu App Developer Blog - the official source for news, updates, new tutorials and other application development content in Ubuntu. You can read it and subscribe to it
Ubuntu App Developers on G+ - the Google+ page to for anyone interested in app development in Ubuntu to read and share updates. You can add it to your circles or +1 it
Ubuntu App Developers on Facebook - the Facebook page, also for enthusiasts of app development in Ubuntu to follow and comment on the latest news. You can like it.
Ubuntu App Developers on LinkedIn - the LinkedIn group for professionals wanting to know more about publishing their apps in the Software Centre. You can join it.
Ubuntu App Developers on Twitter - you prefer 140 character updates? @ubuntuappdev is also tweeting away in the microblogs world, spreading the news on Ubuntu App Development. You can follow it.
Ubuntu App Developers on Identi.ca - if your microblogging choice is the open source alternative to Twitter, Ubuntu app developers are also on identi.ca. You can follow it.
Get (or give) support
This is a set of channels to either get help, give help, or actively contribute to discussions related to Ubuntu App Development.
Ubuntu App Development on Askubuntu - the central place to get and provide support for all your app development questions. You can ask questions, answer questions, read the FAQ and subscribe to the questions feed.
Ubuntu App Development Mailing list - the list is also the place for support, but also for discussion of new topics, coordination of work and announcements related to building the Ubuntu App Developer story. You can subscribe to it or send e-mail.
Ubuntu App Development on IRC - for those seeking real-time support on text or simply a friendly chat amongst app developers. You can enter the IRC channel.
Contribute
This is an overview of some of the ways in which to contribute to the Ubuntu App Developer story.
Create an app - the most obvious way to make an impact is to actually create an app to be distributed to millions in the Software Centre. You can learn how to get started, how to publish, and actually publish your application. Also check out the video tutorial in how to get started in app development on Ubuntu in a matter of minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssnlPS2dOqc
Submit a tutorial - knowledge sharing is a key contribution to app development in Ubuntu. If you know about an app development topic you'd like to see featured and shared in the Ubuntu App developer site, you can submit a tutorial.
Join the ARB - our vision is that both open source and commercial applications are the key to a successful app ecosystem in Ubuntu. The Application Review Board are a group of individuals committed to reviewing and helping open source apps thrive in this environment. If you have technical skills and want to contribute to this goal, they need your help.
All in all, this now gives no excuse not to know what's going on in the app development world and to get involved. Now let's get to work to have a stunning App Developer story!
