Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#1

Post by 0bsolete » Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 8:46 PM UTC

Hi HN, I have been looking to fix a fantastic piece of open source Java-based software that has been having more and more issues running on Mac, likely due to MacOS deprecating OpenGL support, which the app heavily relies on. The app can be found on Githubh here: https://github.com/constellation-app/constellation

I have managed to get it somewhat functional again on Mac but am still running into multiple issues of it crashing and/or freezing when using it on Mac. I'm not a full-time software dev and unfortunately don't have the skills to get this properly ironed out.

I wanted to ask here if there is a good online platform I could use to find someone who would be able to fix the issues for a reasonable fee?

Re: Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#2

Post by JohnFen » Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 8:55 PM UTC

There is likely some sort of public forum devoted to the application in question. You could ask there. Just make sure that the post is clear that what you're asking is essentially to hire someone for a small contract job.

Re: Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#3

Post by mtmail » Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 9:08 PM UTC

https://console.algora.io/ for small projects. But I'd try to contact the existing contributors first, e.g. open a Github Issue. Add that you're willing to pay for a solution.

Re: Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#4

Post by mattl » Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 9:09 PM UTC

Do you have an open GitHub issue where you're describing your problem?

Re: Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#5

Post by aaronrobinson » Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 9:10 PM UTC

From a Quick Look the project seems active and you can contact them by raising an issue or directly (via gitter). The link is on their home page. Even if you find someone to do the work that pull request would still need to be accepted so you may as well go straight to the team.

Re: Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#6

Post by JohnFen » Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 9:35 PM UTC

aaronrobinson wrote: post #5

From a Quick Look the project seems active and you can contact them by raising an issue or directly (via gitter). The link is on their home page. Even if you find someone to do the work that pull request would still need to be accepted so you may as well go straight to the team.

I agree that going to the team is a great idea, but this

> Even if you find someone to do the work that pull request would still need to be accepted

is not technically necessary. People can certainly make changes and bespoke builds with those changes without ever offering them for inclusion in the main project.

Re: Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#7

Post by 0bsolete » Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 9:46 PM UTC

aaronrobinson wrote: post #5

From a Quick Look the project seems active and you can contact them by raising an issue or directly (via gitter). The link is on their home page. Even if you find someone to do the work that pull request would still need to be accepted so you may as well go straight to the team.

Thanks, I think I'll try contact via Gitter. My last issue report has sat with no response for a while.

Re: Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#8

Post by 0bsolete » Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 9:58 PM UTC

mattl wrote: post #4

Do you have an open GitHub issue where you're describing your problem?

Yes I did post an issue a while back, unfortunately it went with no response. I will try their Gitter and go from there.

Re: Ask HN: How do I find someone to fix an OSS application I can't?

#9

Post by aaronrobinson » Wed, Feb 14, 2024, 1:03 AM UTC

JohnFen wrote: post #6

aaronrobinson wrote: post #5

From a Quick Look the project seems active and you can contact them by raising an issue or directly (via gitter). The link is on their home page. Even if you find someone to do the work that pull request would still need to be accepted so you may as well go straight to the team.

I agree that going to the team is a great idea, but this > Even if you find someone to do the work that pull request would still need to be accepted is not technically necessary. People can certainly make changes and bespoke builds with those changes without ever offering them for inclusion in the main project.

You’re technically correct but the OP isn’t technical enough and so I don’t think I’d recommend maintaining a fork as the project rumbles on. Better to get them to incorporate his changes.