<p>In the vast digital landscape of technology, it is not often that we find a community dedicated to promoting the values of freedom, openness, and collaboration. My journey with FLOSSK (Free/Libre Open Source Software Kosova) began back in 2005 when I stumbled upon Ubuntu, a Linux-based operating system that would change the course of my life.&nbsp;</p>

<h4>Introduction</h4>
<p>In the vast digital landscape of technology, it is not often that we find a community dedicated to promoting the values of freedom, openness, and collaboration. My journey with FLOSSK (Free/Libre Open Source Software Kosova) began back in 2005 when I stumbled upon Ubuntu, a Linux-based operating system that would change the course of my life. Little did I know that this simple curiosity would lead me to a vibrant community that nurtured my passion for GNU/Linux and provided me with incredible opportunities.</p>
<h4>Discovering Ubuntu and the ShipIt Program</h4>
<p>I vividly remember the moment I installed Ubuntu on my computer for the first time. The sheer excitement of exploring an entirely new world of software freedom was unmatched. Ubuntu's user-friendly interface and robust performance instantly won me over. As I delved deeper into the world of Linux, I stumbled upon Ubuntu's ShipIt program, which allowed users to request free installation CDs. The notion of receiving free CDs, shipped right to my doorstep, felt like I was becoming part of something greater than myself.</p>
<p><img src="/storage/uploads//2023/08/07/28911_1438669290421_1343682372_31216302_2195654_n-1_uid_64d1042cc5165.jpg" alt="28911_1438669290421_1343682372_31216302_2195654_n (1).jpg"></p>
<h4>A Serendipitous Encounter with FLOSSK</h4>
<p>As the years passed, my passion for Ubuntu and open-source software only grew stronger. In 2007, while browsing online, I discovered the existence of a Linux user group in my country, Kosovo &ndash; FLOSSK. I was ecstatic! I immediately joined their online forums and mailing lists, and the warmth of their welcoming community made me feel like I had found my digital home.</p>
<p><img src="/storage/uploads//2023/08/07/28680_1527268981102_1215990293_31523378_1513311_n-1_uid_64d1044b1ef01.jpg" alt="28680_1527268981102_1215990293_31523378_1513311_n (1).jpg"></p>
<h4>Diving into Conferences and Events</h4>
<p>Attending my first FLOSSK conference was a defining moment. It was not just a gathering of like-minded individuals, but a celebration of the principles that bound us together &ndash; the belief in open source, sharing knowledge, and empowering others. I was hooked! From that point on, I made it a point to attend all FLOSSK conferences and events. Each encounter enriched my understanding of GNU/Linux and open-source culture, leaving me inspired and eager to contribute.</p>
<h4>The Wealth of Learning</h4>
<p>Thanks to FLOSSK, I was exposed to a vast array of GNU/Linux distributions, programming languages, and open-source projects. Their workshops, talks, and hands-on sessions expanded my technical expertise, honed my problem-solving skills, and deepened my appreciation for the collaborative spirit that thrived within the community. It was here that I realized the true potential of open-source software to shape the world for the better.</p>
<p><img src="/storage/uploads//2023/08/07/28911_1438670010439_1343682372_31216317_8136748_n_uid_64d1044b27da1.jpg" alt="28911_1438670010439_1343682372_31216317_8136748_n.jpg"></p>
<h4>Contributing to the Cause</h4>
<p>Being a part of FLOSSK meant more than just attending conferences; it was about actively contributing to the community and promoting open-source principles. Over the years, I volunteered in various events organized by FLOSSK, spreading the word about open source to schools, universities, and local organizations. The satisfaction of witnessing individuals embrace Linux and open-source tools was incomparable.</p>
<h4>A Career-Defining Moment</h4>
<p>The connections I made within the FLOSSK community proved to be invaluable. In 2010, through a fellow FLOSSK member, I was offered an opportunity that would change my life &ndash; my first job in the tech industry. The skills and knowledge I acquired through my time with FLOSSK set me apart from other candidates. It was a testament to the strength of the community and the power of collective learning.</p>
<p><img src="/storage/uploads//2023/08/07/28911_1438670130442_1343682372_31216319_3189956_n_uid_64d1044b33234.jpg" alt="28911_1438670130442_1343682372_31216319_3189956_n.jpg"></p>
<h4>Conclusion</h4>
<p>My journey with FLOSSK has been a transformative one. From a curious Ubuntu user to an active member of the open-source community, I owe a debt of gratitude to FLOSSK and its wonderful members. The principles of freedom and openness that they uphold have not only shaped my career but also shaped the way I approach challenges and collaboration in all aspects of life. I am forever grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and knowledge that FLOSSK has provided me. I eagerly look forward to giving back to the community that has given me so much and continuing this amazing journey of learning and growth.</p>

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Embracing Freedom: My Journey with FLOSSK

<p>It was 2014, a time when the search for a game engine compatible with Linux could feel like a quixotic quest. Unity wasn't yet available for Linux, and finding alternatives seemed to be a daunting task. Then, as if guided by the digital hand of fate, I stumbled upon the Godot Engine on GitHub.</p>

<p>It was 2014, a time when the search for a game engine compatible with Linux could feel like a quixotic quest. Unity wasn't yet available for Linux, and finding alternatives seemed to be a daunting task. Then, as if guided by the digital hand of fate, I stumbled upon the Godot Engine on GitHub.</p>
<p>This encounter was nothing short of revelatory. Here was a robust, versatile game engine designed with features that could hold their own against industry standards. The fact that it was completely open source took me by surprise. Godot Engine seemed like a marvelous underdog, a hidden gem lurking in the shadows of its more mainstream competitors.</p>
<p>However, the Godot community at that time was still in its infancy. There were no open source games created with Godot. The documentation was sparse, the support network limited. Yet, instead of seeing these as obstacles, I viewed them as opportunities&mdash;opportunities to learn, to contribute, and to grow along with this promising engine.</p>
<p><img src="/storage/uploads//2023/08/04/20160131_102720_uid_64cd4a554a3a9.jpg" alt="20160131_102720.jpg"></p>
<p>Embracing the collaborative ethos intrinsic to the open-source community, I joined the Godot Engine IRC channel. There, I floated the idea of creating a game, hoping to find like-minded enthusiasts who were willing to join me on this venture. My message was met with affirmative responses from two users, bojidar-bg and fryy-. Thus began our exciting partnership and the creation of our puzzle game, 'Minilens.'</p>
<p>While collaborating on 'Minilens,' I met Akien on the IRC channel, a fellow Godot enthusiast and advocate. Together, we decided to deepen our engagement with the Godot community and help accelerate its growth. It led us to organize a meetup called 'GodotCon' during FOSDEM in Brussels. We met twice over the years at GodotCon, each meeting becoming a testament to the growing community around the Godot Engine.</p>
<p>Beyond developing 'Minilens,' I also had the honor of creating the Godot Engine's website. It was a challenge that deepened my connection with the community and broadened my understanding of the engine.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="/storage/uploads//2023/08/05/oscal-234_uid_64cde520bd82d.jpeg" alt="oscal-234.jpeg"></p>
<p>Looking back, I am filled with immense joy and a sense of achievement. The Godot Engine has evolved dramatically from those early days in 2014. Today, it boasts of a vibrant open-source community, a diverse array of games, and a well-maintained, extensive documentation.</p>
<p>But the most gratifying part of this journey wasn't just the successful development of the Godot Engine or the completion of 'Minilens.' It was the connections I forged, the knowledge I acquired, and the opportunity to be part of an open-source project's evolution. An evolution from a fledgling project into a highly respected game engine that now stands tall alongside industry giants. The Godot Engine journey reaffirms the belief that when passion, creativity, and collaboration merge, they can create extraordinary gaming experiences.</p>

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My Godot Engine Journey: From Discovery to Collaboration

<p>An experiment I did while learning React Three Fiber&nbsp;</p>

<p>An experiment I did while learning <a href="https://github.com/pmndrs/react-three-fiber">React Three Fiber</a> (a React renderer for <a href="https://threejs.org/">threejs</a>). I strived for a more modular approach and high performance on low-end devices. It also includes <a href="https://github.com/pmndrs/drei">React Drei</a>, <a href="https://github.com/pmndrs/react-spring">React Spring</a>, and <a href="https://github.com/pmndrs/zustand">Zustand</a></p>
<p>You can<a href="https://twitter.com/alketii/status/1525597407542657025"> check out </a>my tweet for a video.</p>

threejsgamerunrun.png

Experimenting with React + Three.js

<p>Welcome to my blog. This website is made with Next.js (typescript) and CockpitCMS</p>

Blog

Embracing Freedom: My Journey with FLOSSK

My Godot Engine Journey: From Discovery to Collaboration

Experimenting with React + Three.js

Welcome to ket.al