Table of Contents
What is Open Source?
Open source software refers to code that is publicly available, free to use, modify, and distribute. Anyone—from hobbyists to professional developers—can view the source code, fix bugs, or add new features.
According to GitHub’s Octoverse Report, open source participation grew by 23% in 2024 alone.
Some examples of widely used open source software:
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Linux – Operating systems like Ubuntu
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React – A JavaScript library by Meta
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VS Code – Microsoft’s open-source code editor
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TensorFlow – A popular ML framework by Google
Why Developers Should Contribute
Contributing to open source is more than just writing code. Here’s why developers across all experience levels participate:
Build Real-World Skills
Working with others, managing repositories, understanding CI/CD pipelines—these experiences make you job-ready.
Boost Your Resume
Open source contributions are publicly visible. Recruiters often check your GitHub to evaluate your skills.
Networking Opportunities
You’ll interact with other developers, project maintainers, and sometimes even core devs at major tech companies.
Give Back to the Community
You’ve likely used open source tools. Giving back by fixing bugs or improving docs is a way to support the ecosystem.
Explore New Technologies
Whether it’s Docker, Rust, or GraphQL, open source lets you learn and work with trending technologies.
Also read: Git and GitHub for Beginners
How Open Source Projects Work
An open source project typically follows a standard collaborative process:
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Maintainers: Oversee the project and review pull requests
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Contributors: Anyone submitting improvements, features, or bug fixes
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Issues: Publicly listed problems or feature requests
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Pull Requests (PRs): Code submissions awaiting review
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Documentation: How-tos, README files, and API references
Projects often have these files:
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README.md– Overview and how to get started -
CONTRIBUTING.md– How to contribute -
CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md– Community guidelines -
LICENSE– Open source license type (MIT, GPL, Apache, etc.)
Skills You Need to Get Started
You don’t need to be a senior developer to contribute. Start small. Here are some useful skills:
Basic Git/GitHub Knowledge
Understanding clone, branch, commit, push, and pull request.
Reading & Understanding Code
Read the project’s codebase to understand its architecture.
Communication
You’ll be discussing changes, bugs, and improvements via GitHub issues or Discord/Slack.
Writing or Improving Documentation
Even correcting typos is a valuable contribution.
Familiarity with CI/CD Tools (Optional)
Helps you understand automation tools like GitHub Actions, Travis CI, etc.
Finding the Right Project for You
Don’t try to contribute to Kubernetes or React on your first day. Here’s how to find beginner-friendly projects:
GitHub Search Filters
Use tags like good first issue, beginner-friendly, or help wanted.
Browse Beginner Issues on GitHub
Explore Trending Repositories
Check GitHub’s trending section or sites like Awesome-First-Contributions.
Consider Your Interests
Are you into web development, game dev, data science? Choose a domain you’re passionate about.
Community Size
Smaller projects often welcome contributors more warmly.
Pro Tip: Start with projects that match your stack—React, Laravel, Django, etc.
How to Make Your First Contribution
Getting started is the hardest part. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your first open source contribution:
Step 1: Fork the Repository
Go to the project on GitHub and click the “Fork” button. This creates your personal copy.
Step 2: Clone It Locally
Step 3: Create a New Branch
Step 4: Make Changes
Fix a bug, add documentation, or implement a small feature. Keep your changes focused.
Step 5: Commit & Push
Step 6: Open a Pull Request (PR)
Go back to your GitHub fork and click “Compare & pull request.” Add a clear description of your changes.
Make sure to read the
CONTRIBUTING.mdfile before you submit a PR.
Understanding Git and GitHub
Git is a version control system. GitHub is a platform to host Git repositories and collaborate on them.
Core Concepts:
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Repository (Repo): Project folder with all files
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Branch: A separate working space for your changes
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Commit: A snapshot of your changes
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Merge: Combining your branch into the main project
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Pull Request (PR): Asking to merge your changes
Writing Good Documentation
You don’t have to write code to contribute. Improving documentation is one of the most valuable forms of contribution.
Focus on:
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Setup instructions for new developers
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Explaining code structure
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Adding examples or demos
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Translating docs into other languages
External resource: Write the Docs Community
Best Platforms to Explore
While GitHub is the most popular, it’s not the only platform. Here are others where you can contribute:
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| GitHub | Largest open-source hosting site. |
| GitLab | Great for CI/CD and private repos. |
| Bitbucket | Often used by teams using Jira. |
| SourceForge | One of the oldest platforms. |
| Codeberg | Privacy-focused alternative to GitHub. |
Best Practices for Contributors
Contributing is not just about submitting code. Following open-source etiquette is crucial.
Read the Docs
Always read the README, contributing guidelines, and code of conduct.
Start Small
Fix typos, correct links, improve formatting—ease into the project.
Communicate Clearly
Use descriptive commit messages and open issues respectfully.
Write Tests
If you’re fixing a bug or adding a feature, write or update relevant tests.
Stick to the Style
Match the code formatting, indentation, and naming conventions.
How Open Source Builds Your Career
Open source gives you proof of work—something that most job seekers lack.
Boosts Employability
You can showcase your PRs during interviews. Employers love to see code in the wild.
Builds Reputation
If your PRs get accepted regularly, you’ll be recognized in that community.
Keeps You Updated
You’ll stay on top of trends and technologies like GraphQL, Web3, AI, etc.
See also: How to Get Your First Developer Job
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New contributors often make mistakes that can be easily avoided:
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Submitting PRs without understanding the project
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Not following contribution guidelines
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Making large PRs instead of small ones
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Ignoring tests or breaking existing functionality
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Being impatient with maintainers
Tip: Be patient and respectful. Maintainers are often volunteers.
Top Open Source Projects to Contribute To in 2025
Here are some active and beginner-friendly projects you can check out:
| Project | Description | Language |
|---|---|---|
| First Contributions | Helps beginners make their first PR | Markdown |
| FreeCodeCamp | Learn to code & contribute | JavaScript |
| EddieHub | Inclusive developer community | Mixed |
| Public APIs | A collective list of free APIs | Markdown |
| Homebrew | Mac package manager | Ruby |
More lists: Awesome for Beginners
Resources to Learn More
Here are some external resources to help you get started with contributing:
Conclusion
Contributing to open source can seem intimidating—but once you dive in, it becomes incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a beginner fixing a typo or an expert refactoring large modules, every contribution matters.
Key Takeaways:
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Start small, stay consistent
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Focus on projects you care about
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Communicate clearly and respectfully
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Always follow project guidelines
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Use open source as a stepping stone to bigger career goals
