How to Contribute Code to LimeWire

By eHow Computers Editor

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LimeWire, in its attempt to be the most popular file-sharing program in the world, allows people to contribute openly to its source code. Anyone can freely study the code and offer any changes they feel will make LimeWire better. If you have a working knowledge of Java script, you can contribute your ideas to LimeWire.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1
Download and study LimeWire's source code. LimeWire keeps its most recent code available on its website for anyone to download.
Step2
Know how to understand and use Java. This is the type of code LimeWire uses. Make sure you have the software to read Java, which will run on many operating systems including Windows, Mac, Sun and Linux.
Step3
Build and run your copy of the code. Set up the build environment using Java and Ant, execute the commands "cd core" and "ant compile-all" to build the LimeWire core & components, then execute "cd ..", "cd gui" and"ant compile-all" for the LimeWire gui.
Step4
Create a patch file by "diffing" the original file with the modified software one. If you took the code from LimeWire's CVS server, diffing should be easy.
Step5
Submit your patch files by email to LimeWire's codepatch department. Provide a short explanation of your work with the patch files as email attachments. Execute "patch -p0 < patchfile.txt" in the working directory with the patch file's first line to apply the file.

Tips & Warnings

  • LimeWire does offer rewards for contributions to its code. As well as various monetary payments, they've also given out internships and even full-time jobs with their organization.
  • LimeWire can and eventually will declare when the code is finished and they will then stop taking submissions.

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eHow Article:  How to Contribute Code to LimeWire

eHow Computers Editor

eHow Computers Editor

Category: Computers

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