Overview

Rubel

For the past few months, I've been developing a CMS while publicly sharing the source code on GitHub as OSS. I'll ramble on about why I started this.

What is OSS

Let's refer to Wikipedia for the definition of OSS.

Open-source software (OSS) is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. OSS is often developed collaboratively. It is the most prominent example of open-source development and is often compared to user-generated media or open content movements. Wikipedia

In three lines:

• Source code is public
• Collaborative development
• Free license

Although the product I'm currently developing doesn't fully meet the "collaborative development" requirement, let's not sweat the small stuff.

What am I developing?

I'm developing a CMS where you can write articles in Markdown. The backend is developed with Laravel, and the frontend with React.

Motivation for Development

"Wanted to Own My Product"

• I want to develop something I want to use in my own way
• I want someone to use the product I developed

"Wanted to Improve My Skills"

• I want opportunities to try new technologies
• A place to apply what I've learned in work or private life

I started with the stance of "I create because I want to, creating is fun, and if it leads to skill improvement, that's great."

Why a CMS?

• Wanted to move away from WordPress
  • Too many unused features
  • Wanted a simple, Qiita-like writing experience with default Markdown writing
  • SPA
  • If I'm going to blog, I want to use my own CMS
• Opportunity to challenge implementing various features
• Recommendation feature using machine learning
• Integration with Amazon API for book recommendations and affiliate features
• Bitcoin tipping feature
• Automatic Twitter posting
• Scheduled posting feature
• Markdown import/export feature etc...

It's practical and offers many opportunities to try different technologies and ideas, making it fun to develop.

Why OSS

• I want various people to review it
• I want various people to use it
• Portfolio
  • The source code is open, so anyone can view it

What Can Be Gained

• By continuing development and operation over the long term, you can feel your own growth
• Opportunities for code review from various people
• The pressure of being watched motivates learning = increased motivation
• Mysterious confidence
• Fulfillment of the need for approval (stars, etc.)

Poetic View

I feel there's no need to feel guilty about starting OSS with a self-centered mindset, as solving your own problems can potentially solve others' problems and contribute to them.

There weren't many development examples of Laravel and React on GitHub, so I hope to get various feedback.

Future

Actually, I haven't released v1.0.0 yet. Just a little more... (trembling voice) So, the immediate goal is to release v1.0.0.

On top of that

• I want ISSUES and PRs
• I want stars
• I want to continue refining the product through operation and improvement
• I want to continue developing continuously

I want to fulfill the above desires.

v1.0.0 has been released.

• Rubel Demo
• Rubel Admin Demo
  • EMAIL: rubel@example.com / PASSWORD: rubel

There are still many bugs, but I plan to update it in the future.

Conclusion

Rubel I'd be happy if you could throw any small thing at me, whether it's an ISSUE or PR (from typos to code reviews, feature requests, anything).

Also, if you are also doing OSS and have your source open, please feel free to leave a link in the comments, let's become OSS friends.

Links

• How to Do Personal Development by r7kamura
• A slide with many relatable points.

Side Note

The name "Rubel" was decided using a naming tool that generated a nice word based on the two words Laravel and React. dotmator It's a recommended tool for those who struggle with naming their personal development products.