We’ve all loved and wanted to be like Neo in The Matrix, seeing the code that shapes our digital world. But what if I tell you you can be Neo in the development community?
Contributing to open source lets you be a hero, fixing bugs and adding features that benefit countless users. It’s not just generous; it’s a strategic way to boost your resume and land your dream job in software development.
Open-source contributions showcase your coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork—all qualities that top tech companies seek. Each bug fix or new feature is a testament to your expertise, visible to potential employers who value real-world experience.
Your contributions are publicly visible, letting recruiters and hiring managers see your work firsthand, boosting your chances of landing interviews and job offers from leading tech companies like Google, Microsoft, or any other dream employer.
In this blog, we’ll plug into the open-source matrix and start making contributions.
What is open source?
Open-source software (OSS) is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance.
Did you know that Wikipedia relies on the collective effort of many contributors, and anyone can contribute by editing, improving, and updating with new information? Open-source projects work the same way, letting developers access, modify, and enhance a program’s source code.
“Source code” is the part of the software that most computer users don’t ever see; it’s the code computer programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software—a “program” or “application”—works.
Programmers with access to a computer program’s source code can improve that program by adding features or fixing parts that don’t always work correctly.
Importance of open source projects in the dev community
In the tech community, open-source software is crucial because it promotes collaboration and freedom in software development. Open-source initiatives are built and maintained by a network of volunteer programmers and are accessible for free.
This accessibility allows developers to learn from each other, build on existing projects, and innovate more quickly than they could when working in isolation. It also enhances security, as a larger pool of reviewers can soon identify flaws.
Here are some examples of well-known open-source projects:
- Linux: Perhaps the most well-known open-source project, Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel.
- Apache HTTP Server: A robust, commercial-grade, feature-full, and freely available source code implementation of an HTTP (Web) server.
- Mozilla Firefox: A popular open-source web browser known for its speed and extensive customization options through plugins and extensions.
- Git: A distributed version control system to handle everything from small to extensive projects quickly and efficiently.
- VLC Media Player: A free and open-source, cross-platform multimedia player that plays most multimedia files and DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.
Why contribute to open source?
Contributing to open-source projects brings numerous personal and professional benefits while positively impacting the software development community.
Let’s dive into the key reasons why you should consider getting involved.
Skill development
Working on diverse projects can help you learn new programming languages, frameworks, and tools. It’s a hands-on way to enhance your coding skills.
Open source contributions also improve project management, collaboration, and communication skills.
Networking
Open-source communities are global. You interact with developers, designers, and project managers worldwide, expanding your professional network. Many open-source projects have experienced maintainers who can provide guidance and mentorship, helping you grow in your career.
Building a portfolio
Your contribution is public and can be showcased to potential employers, demonstrating your practical experience and commitment to continuous learning.
Career advancement
Many companies value open-source contributions; some offer paid opportunities through programs like GitHub Sponsors and internships.
How does your contribution impact the software development community?
Innovation
Open-source projects evolve quickly as developers from all over the world contribute new ideas and improvements. This leads to rapid innovation and better software.
Collaboration
Open-source projects thrive on collaboration. They bring together a diverse group of people who work together to solve problems, fostering a culture of cooperation and shared learning.
Quality and security
Many developers constantly review open-source code, which leads to higher-quality and more secure software. Bugs and vulnerabilities are spotted and fixed faster than in closed-source projects.
Accessibility
Open-source software is accessible to anyone, allowing even those with limited resources to benefit from advanced technologies. This democratizes access to software and helps bridge the digital divide.
If you’re looking for more fun side projects for your portfolio, read this blog on creating a programming language.
What does it mean to contribute?
Contributing to open source is more than just writing code; it’s about being part of a community and helping in various ways to improve a project. Here’s a look at the different forms of contributions and their importance:
Bug fixes and features
Writing code to fix bugs or add new features is one of the most visible forms of contribution. These enhancements directly improve the software’s functionality and performance.
For example, fixing a bug that crashes a program or adding a new feature that users have been requesting can significantly enhance the user experience and reliability of the project.
Testing
Testing is crucial for maintaining code quality. By writing tests, contributors ensure the code works as intended and doesn’t break existing functionality. This is vital for the software’s stability and helps maintainers identify issues before they affect users.
Documentation
Creating comprehensive user manuals, how-tos, and FAQs helps users understand how to use the software effectively. Good documentation can significantly reduce the learning curve for new users, making the software more accessible and user-friendly.
Providing clear documentation for developers makes it easier for them to contribute. This includes API documentation, setup instructions, and code comments. Well-documented projects attract more contributors and facilitate better collaboration and understanding.
Design
Improving the user interface and user experience makes the software more intuitive and accessible. For instance, a contributor might redesign a cluttered interface to be more user-friendly, enhancing overall user satisfaction.
Contributing logos, icons, and other visual elements helps create a solid and recognizable project identity. Visual improvements can make the project more appealing and professional, attracting more users and contributors.
Community and support
Helping users and other contributors by answering questions on forums, mailing lists, or chat channels is a valuable contribution. This support can range from troubleshooting technical issues to guiding new contributors through their first pull request.
You can also host or participate in hackathons, meetups, and workshops that promote the project and foster community engagement. These events can help build a strong community around the project, encouraging collaboration and continuous development.
Project management
Managing the project’s issue tracker by labeling, prioritizing, and closing issues ensures that the development process is organized and efficient. This helps maintainers keep track of tasks and bugs, making it easier for contributors to find issues they can work on.
Helping to set the project’s goals and timelines ensures that development stays on track. Effective planning and clear roadmaps provide direction and focus for contributors, aligning their efforts with the project’s long-term objectives.
How to get started with contributing to open-source projects?
Contributing to open source can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here’s a simplified guide to help you find the right project and understand its documentation.
Find a project that aligns with your interests
Reflect on the technologies, programming languages, or types of software that excite you. For instance, if you’re passionate about web development, look for projects using JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular.
Also, remember to find a project that matches your current skill level and offers room for growth. Beginners can look for labels like “good first issue” or “beginner-friendly” on platforms such as GitHub.
Here’s where you can find open-source projects
- GitHub Explore is a great place to find popular and trending repositories.
- Open Source Friday encourages contributions every Friday.
- First Timers Only provides resources for new contributors.
- CodeTriage sends daily emails with issues from open-source projects you care about.
- 24 Pull Requests encourages developers to send 24 pull requests in December.
- Up For Grabs lists projects with tasks for new contributors.
- First Contributions offers a tutorial on how to make your first contribution.
- SourceSort helps you discover open-source projects by language, label, or interest.
- OpenSauced helps you find your next open-source contribution.
Taking the first step
Instead of overthinking your first contribution, consider the projects you already use or want to use. The projects you’ll actively contribute to are the ones you find yourself returning to. Act on your instinct whenever you notice something that could be better or different. Open source is about people like you making improvements and fixing issues.
You might find a broken link or typo in a README file or notice something that should be included in the documentation. Instead of ignoring it, see if you can help out by pitching in. That’s the spirit of open source!
According to research, 28% of casual contributions to open source are documentation-related, such as fixing typos, reformatting, or writing translations.
If you’re looking for existing issues to resolve, every open-source project on GitHub has a /contribute page that highlights beginner-friendly issues. Just navigate to the repository’s main page and add /contribute at the end of the URL (e.g., https://github.com/facebook/react/contribute).
Anatomy of an open source project
Understanding the structure and roles within an open-source project is crucial for effective contribution. An open-source project typically consists of several key components:
Source code
The core of any open-source project is its source code. This is where the development occurs, including the primary application logic, libraries, and modules. The source code is usually organized into directories and files that are easy to navigate.
Documentation
Documentation is essential for guiding users and contributors. It includes:
- README.md: Provides an overview of the project, setup instructions, and usage guidelines. It’s the first point of contact for anyone new to the project.
- CONTRIBUTING.md: Offers guidelines on contributing, including coding standards, how to submit changes and other crucial processes.
- LICENSE: This file specifies the legal terms under which the project can be used, modified, and distributed. Clarifying the rights of users and contributors is crucial.
- Additional documentation might include user guides, API documentation, tutorials, and FAQs to help users and developers understand and use the project more effectively.
Configuration files
These files manage the project’s dependencies and configuration settings. Examples include package.json for Node.js projects, which lists dependencies and scripts, or pom.xml for Java projects using Maven. Configuration files can also include environment variable settings (.env), Git ignore settings (.gitignore), and other project-specific configurations.
Scripts
Scripts automate tasks such as building the project, running tests, or deploying the application. These are often found in the project’s root directory and might include files like build.sh, deploy.sh, or test.sh.
Tests
An excellent open-source project includes comprehensive tests to ensure the code functions correctly. These can be unit, integration, and end-to-end tests, organized in a separate directory.
Roles within an open-source project
Maintainers
Maintainers are the core team members who oversee the project. They manage releases, review contributions, resolve issues, and guide the project. Maintainers ensure the project adheres to its vision and standards, making critical decisions and merging pull requests.
Contributors
Contributors add value to the project through code, documentation, design, or other resources. Contributions can be one-time or ongoing. Contributors submit pull requests to propose changes, fix bugs, add features, or improve documentation.
Community Members
Community members include all users and supporters of the project who may not directly contribute code but provide valuable feedback, report issues, and help other users. They participate in discussions, offer support on forums, and promote the project, playing a crucial role in building a vibrant and active community.
Elements in all open-source projects
Creating a successful open-source project requires including several essential files and fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Here’s a detailed look at these critical components:
README
The README file is the first point of contact for anyone interested in your project. It provides an overview of the project, its purpose, and basic instructions on how to set it up and use it. A well-crafted README should include:
- Project description and goals
- Installation and setup instructions
- Basic usage examples
- Links to additional resources and documentation
LICENSE
The LICENSE file specifies the legal terms under which the project can be used, modified, and distributed. Including a license to protect the project’s contributors and users is crucial. Standard licenses include MIT, Apache 2.0, and GPL. The choice of license can impact how others can use and contribute to your project.
CODE_OF_CONDUCT
A Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior and guidelines for interaction within the project community. It helps create a respectful and inclusive environment by clearly stating what is acceptable and what is not. A good Code of Conduct includes:
- Standards for respectful behavior
- Consequences for unacceptable behavior
- Instructions on how to report issues
CONTRIBUTING
The CONTRIBUTING file provides guidelines for those who want to contribute to the project. It helps streamline the contribution process and sets expectations for contributions. Key elements include:
- Steps to report issues and request features
- Guidelines for submitting pull requests
- Coding standards and best practices
- Instructions for setting up the development environment
A checklist before you contribute
Ensure the project is active and open to new contributors
- Review recent commits, active discussions, and open issues. Projects with frequent updates are likely to be active and well-maintained.
- Review the CONTRIBUTING file to see if the project is open to new contributors and what the process entails.
Review the project’s setup, style guides, and current issues
- Follow the README file to set up the project on your local machine. This ensures you can run and test your contributions.
- Check for any coding style guides or standards mentioned in the CONTRIBUTING file or separate documentation. Adhering to these guidelines ensures consistency in the codebase.
- Browse the project’s tracker for “good first issue” or “help wanted” labels. This helps you find tasks suitable for newcomers and align with the project’s needs.
How to submit a contribution
Here are the detailed steps from forking a project to submitting your changes:
Fork the repository
Go to the project’s GitHub page and click the “Fork” button. This creates a copy of the repository under your GitHub account.
Clone the repository
Clone the forked repository to your local machine using the command:
git clone https://github.com/your-username/repository-name.git
Create a new branch
Create a branch for your changes to keep your work organized.
git checkout -b branch-name
Make your changes
Edit the code, documentation, or other files as needed.
Commit your changes
Add and commit your changes with a meaningful message.
git add .
git commit -m "Description of the changes"
Push to GitHub
Push your changes to your forked repository.
git push origin branch-name
Communication with maintainers
- Engage with maintainers by commenting on issues or pull requests to clarify doubts and ensure your contribution aligns with project goals.
- Adhere to the project’s CONTRIBUTING file and style guides to facilitate maintainers’ review of your work.
What is a pull request?
A pull request (PR) is a method of submitting contributions to a project. It allows maintainers and other contributors to review, discuss, and approve changes before they are merged into the main codebase.
How to submit a pull request?
- Go to your forked repository on GitHub.
- Click the “New pull request” button. Select the base repository and branch you want to merge into, and compare it with your branch.
- Explain what changes you made and why. Include relevant issue numbers if applicable (e.g., “Closes #123”).
- Click “Create pull request” to submit.
Here are some best practices for creating a pull request:
- Use a clear and concise title.
- Explain the changes and the problems they solve.
- Reference any related issues or discussions.
- Include before-and-after screenshots if applicable.
- Ensure your changes pass existing tests and add new ones if needed.
What happens after you submit your contribution?
Review process by maintainers
Maintainers will review your pull request, checking for code quality, adherence to guidelines, and overall impact. They might request changes or provide feedback. Respond promptly and make necessary adjustments.
How to handle feedback and subsequent modifications?
- Keep the conversation open and respond to feedback constructively.
- Update your pull request with the required changes and push them to your branch. GitHub will automatically update the pull request.
- Once the maintainers are satisfied, they will merge your pull request with the main branch.
Contribute to FlockServe
We hope this blog helped you understand how to contribute to open-source projects. If you’re searching for projects to contribute, you can consider FlockServe.
FlockServe is an open-source library developed by JDoodle for deploying production-ready AI inference endpoints. It provides capabilities like autoscaling, load balancing, and monitoring, making it a robust solution for scaling AI predictions.
Contributing to FlockServe can enhance a tool that supports dynamic AI workloads across multiple cloud providers. Whether fixing bugs, improving documentation, or adding new features, your contributions will help advance the project and support the broader AI community.
To start, check out the FlockServe repository and explore the contribution guidelines.
Common questions about open-source contributions
What is contributing to open source?
Contributing to open source involves developing software whose source code is freely available to the public, typically by fixing bugs, adding new features, or improving documentation.
Is it worth contributing to open source?
Yes, contributing to open source is worth it as it helps improve your coding skills, enhances your resume, and provides opportunities to collaborate with experienced developers and gain recognition in the tech community.
How to contribute to an open source course?
To contribute to an open-source course, you can enhance course materials, fix errors, update content, or create new educational resources by collaborating with the course maintainers and following their contribution guidelines.
How can you contribute to an open-source operating system?
You can contribute to an open-source operating system by submitting bug fixes, developing new features, writing or updating documentation, and participating in community discussions to support and improve the system.