Beginning Mac OS X OpenOffice.org Developer's FAQ

Last updated August 1, 2002

This FAQ was originally authored on the developer mailing list by Terry Teague. We'll add to it as we find more great suggestions as we go along! All text from here below is Terry's!

OK, I have heard about OOo and got to this web site, and I am interested in working on the Mac OS X version. Where do I go next?

• Understand this is a large project, and can be overwhelming. You should have some familiarity with Open Source projects, CVS, and Mac OS X command line. Be prepared to invest time in learning, and dealing with unexpected problems.

• Read the documentation on the web site to learn more about the OOo project as whole.

  You can find this at http://www.openoffice.org/documentation.html.

• Read the OOo FAQs to learn more about the OOo project as whole.
• Browse the mailing list archives (particularly dev@porting.openoffice.org) to get a feel for how other developers are working on the project.
• Join the OOo project development effort by creating an account (and getting access).
• Obtain the current stable version of the source code for OOo (CD or tarball or CVS).

• Read and follow the Mac OS X build instructions to build the current version of the project.

  Probably just needs a few additions to fill in the holes experienced by us newbies. [Ed P. -- please make suggestions and corrections as you find them!!]

• Read the Mac OS X porting roadmap to see what has to happen for OOo on Mac OS X to be completed.
• Get involved - ask questions on the mailing lists, and start experimenting with and modifying the source code.
• You are now an expert <grin>.