  Open source software (OSS) development relies on diverse skill sets. However,
to our knowledge, there are no tools which detect OSS-related skills. In this
paper, we present a novel method to detect OSS skills and prototype it in a
tool called Disko. Our approach relies on identifying relevant signals, which
are measurable activities or cues associated with a skill. Our tool detects how
contributors 1) teach others to be involved in OSS projects, 2) show commitment
towards an OSS project, 3) have knowledge in specific programming languages,
and 4) are familiar with OSS practices. We then evaluate the tool by
administering a survey to 455 OSS contributors. We demonstrate that Disko
yields promising results: it detects the presence of these skills with
precision scores between 77% to 97%. We also find that over 54% of participants
would display their high-proficiency skills. Our approach can be used to
transform existing OSS experiences, such as identifying collaborators, matching
mentors to mentees, and assigning project roles. Given the positive results and
potential impact of our approach, we outline future research opportunities in
interpreting and sharing OSS skills.
