How do I get a project started?

[scarlco]

I've got an idea to replace some horrible proprietary software that fills a niche market - but I'm not a programmer.

My question - how do I go about finding someone to work with on this? What does a 'programmer' need to help get an idea like this off the ground?

I'm doing this on my own right now, and if it's feasable, I'd approach the powers that be about financial backing. I believe a well written solution would definately have a market down the line, considering the quality of the commercial alternative.

I'm not asking what the best language is, or how to write a program... I know enough to be dangerous, and would like to discuss things further with an interested party... but I don't know how to find that party! ;)

Thanks!

[Andreas Masur]

Well...there are several ways to go. First of all there exists a forum named 'Help Wanted' here at CodeGuru which should be used while seeking for help in such a case.

Besides that, there are also special sites on the net dedicated to the function of being a market place between people who needs to get a problem solved and people who actually can solve the problem.

However, to answer your original question, a programmer basically would need to see some kind of functional description of what needs to be accomplished. This can be a general description in the first place which needs to get more and more detailed. At some point in time, the project can be calculated in various ways...like what will it cost...what is the time-frame to program....etc.

[Manish Malik]

Originally posted by scarlco
I've got an idea to replace some horrible proprietary software that fills a niche market - but I'm not a programmer.

If you are intersted in making an open source product for the same, I strongly recommend http://sourceforge.net