How to start coding GNU/Linux software

An often asked question is:

How do i start coding for the GNU/Linux community?

Well, assuming you already can write code, we can focus on GNU/Linux specific issues.

First read:
Coding Standards: http://www.gnu.org/prep/standards/html_node/
Translating using gettext: http://www.gnu.org/software/gettext/manual/gettext.html

While preparing your documention:
texinfo: http://www.gnu.org/software/texinfo/manual/texinfo/texinfo.html

Then, with your first example project following those guide lines, go ahead and dig into:
Autconf: http://www.gnu.org/software/autoconf/manual/autoconf.html
Automake: http://www.gnu.org/software/automake/manual/automake.html
These tools will help to compile your project at the enduser side without issues.

I figured the hard way, created a project, and then had to apply (at least some of) these standards afterwards.. which caused lots of unrequired work...


Other than that, try to make something new, not yet another media converter based upon ffmpeg or avutils.
To do so, search the already existing software at:

• http://www.gnu.org/software/software.html#allgnupkgs
• http://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Main_Page

Of course, just as/for a training project, you can do whatever you like, just dont expect anyone to jump around in that case.

Hope this helps