Skip to main content

Liang Wang1,2^{1,2}，Zhiwen Zheng1,2^{1,2}，Xiangchen Wu1,2^{1,2}，Baihui Sang1,2^{1,2}，Jierui Zhang1,2^{1,2}，Xianping Tao1,2^{1,2}

1^1Department of Computer Science and Technology, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory for Novel Software Technology 2^2OSS Compass

Abstract​

This research focuses on project forks on open-source software (OSS) platforms, revolving around measuring and understanding the diversity of forks in open-source software projects. The paper accomplishes this by constructing a novel fork entropy based on Rao's second entropy and assessing this diversity based on modifications to project files. Empirical studies indicate a significant correlation between fork entropy in open-source projects and various key outcomes, including external productivity of the project (measured by the number of contributions from external contributors), acceptance rate of external contributors' pull requests, and the reported number of bugs. Additionally, we observe significant interactions between fork entropy and other factors, such as the quantity of forks. These findings suggest that fork entropy, as an effective metric, not only enhances the current available measurements of forks in open-source software projects but also deepens our understanding of the development process based on forked repositories. It holds the potential to support further research and applications.

Shenzhen, October 24, 2023 - This morning, the National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center, in collaboration with Nanjing University, Huawei, Open Source China, Baidu, and other entities, grandly launched the "Open Source Community Development Quality Improvement Action" at the "2023 Shenzhen•China 1024 Programmer Festival". The aim is to promote the healthy development of open source communities. This action will rely on the research results of the OSS Compass community to release the first comprehensive open source community development evaluation index in China. Simultaneously, it will construct an evaluation system for the ecological development of open source communities in different technical fields.

At the event, Ping Zhou, Chief Engineer of the National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center, Meng Ke, Director of Huawei Open Source Management Center, and two Board members of the OSS Compass community - Associate Professor Liang Wang from Nanjing University and Hongshu, CTO of Open Source China, along with other guests, gathered together to attend the launch ceremony and witnessed the formal beginning of this significant action.

In recent years, the digital economy has become a new engine and new momentum for the global economy, and open source plays a crucial role in the rapid upgrade and integration of digital technology. Open source collaboration continues to lead the innovative development of digital technology standards, constantly driving the transformation of traditional industry patterns and business models, gradually becoming a key support for the rapid development of the digital economy and digital transformation. By promoting the construction of an open source innovation ecosystem, we will be able to accelerate the transformation and application of digital technology, providing a stronger internal driving force for economic development and bringing new opportunities for the digital transformation and pattern change of the economic and social sectors.

Given the increasing importance of open source applications and participation today, evaluating the open source ecosystem and promoting the health and sustainable development of open source communities and projects have become common concerns for governments, enterprises, and individual developers. The establishment of OSS Compass is precisely to provide valuable data insights and trend analysis for government departments, open source communities, enterprises, and developers, thereby supporting the health and sustainable development of China's open source ecosystem. Now, the official launch of the "Open Source Community Development Quality Improvement Action" will further promote the development of open source communities, stimulate innovation in digital technology, and provide more support and momentum for the digital transformation of our country's economy.

Community Highlights​

  • On September 21st, we participated in OSS EU 2023 and delivered a speech, further expanding OSS Compass's influence in Europe and globally. After the event, we received collaboration invitations from an open source project both well-known in Europe and America.

  • OSS Compass (hereinafter referred to as "Compass") has become a partner of CHAOSS, and CHAOSS is actively advancing deep collaboration with Compass.

  • Compass is supporting academic research of Nanjing University, providing data support for the CCF-A class conference paper.

  • Compass supported the release of the " 2023 China Fundamental Softwares' Open Source Industry Research White Paper".

  • On August 23rd, we organized the first Compass community board meeting of 2023.

  • On August 23rd, we hosted a live streaming event for the release of Compass Lab, reaching an audience of tens of thousands.

Copyright © 2023 OSS compass. All Rights Reserved.