This document summarizes Richard Lord's experience developing the open-source Flint particle engine project over several years. It outlines the 7 steps he took to develop the project, including choosing an architecture, writing code, choosing a name, making the code public, gathering feedback, releasing version 1, and taking breaks. It also discusses handling feedback, plans for future versions that were only partially completed, and how the project helped raise his profile and experience while giving something back to the community.

1. 360|Flex DC, September 2010
Open Source is for life,
not just for Christmas
Richard Lord
Developer of Flint Particles
flintparticles.org

2. Christmas 2007

3. My new years resolution:
Create an open-source particle engine

4. Why?

5. 7 steps to develop an open source
project

6. Step 1 - Architecture

8. Step 2 - Write code

10. Step 3 - Choose a name

11. Flint
flintparticles.org
code.google.com/p/flint-particle-system/

12. Step 4 - Make it public

13. Website, forum,
documentation, examples

14. Step 5 - Gather feedback

15. Project Forum

16. London Flash Platform User Group

17. Step 6 - Release version 1

18. 121 Classes
5,902 Lines of code

19. Step 7 - Rest & relaxation

20. ...and fix bugs, respond to feedback
& provide support

21. Handling feedback

22. 1. It's not about you.

23. 2. Imagine it from their side

24. 3. Ask for more information

25. 4. Always be polite

26. 5. Keep it public

27. September 2008

28. Version 2 (3D)
&
Flash on the Beach

29. Plans for the future

30. October 2008 Plans
Improve Away3D support
Support Sandy3D
Support Alternativa3D
Improved tweening
Collisions between particles
Collisions with shapes/objects
Avoid shapes/objects
Line renderers
Particle effect designer
Flash components
Flex components

31. September 2010 reality
Improved tweening (incomplete)
Collisions between particles
Collisions with shapes/objects (2D only)
Line renderers (2D only)

32. Reality check

33. So where is Flint now

34. 265 Classes
19,317 Lines of code

35. Ohloh rating
8 developer years
$413,836

36. Moved to Github
http://github.com/richardlord/flint

37. What I got from Flint

38. 1. Raised my profile

39. 2. Experience

40. 3. Feedback on my code

41. 4. Gave something back

42. 5. Fun

43. Two fundamental tips

44. 1. Nobody will ever put as much
effort into your project as you do.

45. 2. You must never, ever, ever say...

46. "What do you expect, it's free?"

47. flintparticles.org
www.richardlord.net
twitter.com/Richard_Lord