Open source has been one of the bedrock foundations fueling technological advancement in this digital age. This collaborative movement has transformed the way software is developed and utilized across the globe. Over the years, the need to contribute to open source projects cannot be overemphasized, which is why events like Hacktoberfest that promote contributions to open source have emerged.
Hacktoberfest is an event dedicated to celebrating open source, which spans throughout October. It serves as an an opportunity for contributors(developers, designers, technical writers, etc.) to come together, collaborate, and make valuable contributions to open source projects.
Hacktoberfest also presents a welcoming path for anyone willing to contribute to open source, irrespective of your level of experience. Register here
However, contributing to open source may seem intimidating at first to beginners (almost everyone felt this way too!) which is why, in this article, I'll be sharing several resources to guide beginners and open source enthusiasts toward making their first contributions to open source projects.
Getting Started with Git and GitHub
Before you can contribute to open source projects, there’s a need for you to be familiar with the use of Git and GitHub. Below are some recommended articles to help you get started:
How to Contribute to Open Source
After getting comfortable with the use of Git and GitHub, the next step is to learn how to contribute to open source projects. The following resources would help with that.
Beginner-Friendly Repositories to Start With:
After exploring the resources listed above and you’re eager to make your first open source contribution, you might be wondering where to begin. I’ve curated a list of beginner-friendly repositories to help you get started.
Going Beyond Code Contributions to Open Source
It's important to note that open source contributions go beyond making code contributions. There are several other ways you can contribute and the resources below will guide you on various non-coding aspects of open source:
How can I contribute to an open source project without writing code?
Improve Your Technical Writing Skills by Contributing to Open Source
Want to contribute to open source as a non-coder? Here’s a GitHub repository to help you get started: Awesome for non-programmers
By following the resources outlined in this article, contributing to open source will no longer be a daunting process for you. Don't hesitate to explore, and contribute to the projects that resonate with you. Happy Hacking!