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« on: September 11, 2024, 11:35:24 pm »
How can I get more young people to code for OS/2 and became part of the community
Getting young people interested in coding for OS/2 and becoming part of the community involves a blend of outreach, education, and creating opportunities that resonate with their interests. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Promote OS/2's Unique Value:
Highlight the Niche Appeal: OS/2 is a legacy system with unique strengths, such as its stability, and it provides an opportunity to work on low-level systems programming or legacy systems that are rare to find.
Connect with Retro Computing Enthusiasts: Many young people are drawn to retro computing as a hobby. Position OS/2 within this niche to attract those who have an interest in preserving or reviving older systems.
Showcase Its Relevance: Emphasize how skills gained in OS/2 development can translate to modern systems programming, driver development, or even embedded systems.
2. Make Learning Accessible:
Provide Learning Resources: Create beginner-friendly tutorials, guides, and resources that introduce OS/2 programming in a fun, engaging way. Consider creating video tutorials or interactive workshops.
Leverage Modern Tools: Use modern platforms (YouTube, GitHub, Discord, etc.) to share code, collaborate, and teach OS/2 development. Make sure OS/2 development environments are easy to set up, possibly using virtualization or emulation.
Hackathons and Coding Competitions: Organize online or in-person events where participants can work on OS/2-related projects. This could be a good way to engage young programmers and show the excitement of building for this platform.
3. Engage with Schools and Universities:
Collaborate with Computer Science Programs: Offer guest lectures, workshops, or projects related to OS/2. If possible, provide internships or mentorship opportunities where students can gain real-world experience.
Open-Source Contributions: Encourage students to contribute to open-source OS/2 projects. This can serve as a great entry point for them to get involved with the community and learn.
4. Modernize the Image of the OS/2 Community:
Be Active on Social Media: Engage with younger audiences on platforms like Twitter, Reddit, or YouTube. Share OS/2’s history, its strengths, and what the community is working on today.
Create a Vibrant Online Community: A supportive, welcoming environment is key. Consider using platforms like Discord or GitHub to host discussions, share projects, and mentor new developers.
Highlight Career Potential: Show how working on OS/2 or similar systems programming can be a path to becoming a sought-after expert in legacy systems or even cybersecurity.
5. Offer Mentorship and Guidance:
Mentorship Programs: Pair young developers with experienced OS/2 developers to provide guidance, encouragement, and advice as they navigate the system.
Contribute to Meaningful Projects: Allow younger programmers to contribute to projects that have real-world impact, making them feel like they're part of something significant.
6. Gamification and Rewards:
Create Challenges: Offer challenges or competitions where developers can solve real-world OS/2 problems or develop new features.
Offer Incentives: You could offer prizes, community recognition, or even financial incentives for significant contributions to OS/2 projects.
By creating an engaging, accessible, and rewarding environment, you can inspire young people to explore OS/2 and become a part of its development community.
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