2026-08-31 –, 604
Learn how to use a containerized development environment for contributing to the GeoServer ecosystem (GeoServer, GeoTools, and GeoWebCache) with minimal setup. Connect from your favourite IDE (e.g. VS Code) to a pre-built Java/Maven/Git environment.
Open source can be easy! This workshop will get you up and running in 30 minutes, and will provide you with all the development tools that you'll need to compile and release GeoServer and its documentation. It includes a focus on both source code and documentation/tutorials, so it's ideal for developers as well as non-developers: anyone who has wanted to contribute to this iconic FOSS project.
Suggestion: maybe you want to translate the new GeoServer 3 GUI into your home language?
We'll follow the process documented on the https://geoguru.africa/ website (also https://github.com/geoguru-africa/DevDocker).
We'll start with installing these, if they are not already installed:
- Docker Engine 20.10+ or Docker Desktop
- Docker Compose 2.0+
- SSH client (for connecting to the container)
Most developers will have these installed, so then there's no pre-requisites! Bring your laptop and participate.
What skills do participants require to have?:GeoServer is written in Java, so experience in Java is advantageous, but certainly not required, with the help of AI coding agents that are readily available to everyone these days.
The documentation is written in English, but perhaps you want to internationalise the GUI to your own language, so fluency in both languages would be great!
The workshop is beginner level, so it's open to all!
Link to software source code:
GeoServer Evangelist at AfriGIS (South Africa)
GeoServer Project Steering Committee
Mentoring African Developers
Volunteer