Have you ever wondered what makes some tech projects keep going strong, even when they face big challenges? Well, I recently watched a documentary about Node.js that gave me a pretty cool insight into this. It’s not just about having a great idea or solving a big problem (which is definitely important), but there’s something else – having a good set of rules for everyone to follow.

Node.js started off like any other project, trying to solve a specific problem with code. But, the real drama started when some of the main people working on it decided to leave, and the company that was looking after Node.js began to push their own ideas too much. This caused a bit of a stir within the Node.js community.

So, what did the community do? They didn’t just sit back; they took action by creating a "fork" of Node.js. This means they made a copy of the project so they could work on it in their own way, without the company interfering. This move was huge because it showed that the people actually using and loving Node.js wanted to keep it true to what the community needed, not just what a company wanted.

The best part? After some time, this forked project and the original Node.js came back together. They merged into one big project again. But this time, they had new rules. These rules were all about making sure the project would keep going strong and stay true to what the community wanted, even if the original leaders left or if a company tried to push its own agenda too much.

For me, this was a big lesson. It showed that for open-source projects (which are projects anyone can see or change), having a good set of rules is super important. These aren’t just any rules, but ones that make sure everyone in the community is heard, that decisions are made together, and that the project can keep improving and growing without losing its way.

In a nutshell, the story of Node.js isn’t just a tech story; it’s a teamwork story. It’s about how, when people come together and set up a good way to work, amazing things can happen. It makes sure the project doesn’t just start strong but stays strong, growing and getting better with the help of everyone involved. So, let’s remember: whether we’re coding, creating, or just contributing, having clear, fair rules can make all the difference in keeping our projects and communities thriving.

Talking about creating a open source project with good guidelines please check my last project: it's a translation of The Art of Computer Programming to Brazilian Portuguese