Getting started with Open Source

[raisedadead]

Note

Asked via my booking page AMA:

I really admire your incredible work at freeCodeCamp and the impact it has had on so many developers around the world, including myself. Your dedication is truly inspiring!

I am deeply eager to contribute to open source projects, particularly within freeCodeCamp, and become a part of this amazing community. Could you kindly guide me on how to get started and share any advice for beginners like me who wish to contribute meaningfully? I would be immensely grateful for your guidance!

[raisedadead]

First off, thank you for your kind words! It truly means a lot to me to hear how freeCodeCamp has positively impacted your journey. Your enthusiasm for contributing to open source is exactly what makes our community special.

That said, let me make it clear that contributing to open source can feel overwhelming at first. Many developers hesitate to make their first contribution because they're unsure where to start.

And if you want my personal opinion, while freeCodeCamp is an excellent place to begin, there are many fantastic open source projects welcoming new contributors. Node.js, React, Vue.js, and TypeScript all have great communities and well-maintained contribution guidelines.

If there is one resource that I could send you, it is: https://opensource.guide/

If you wan to look for opportunities: up-for-grabs.net

This platform aggregates beginner-friendly issues from various open source projects, making it easier to find opportunities that match your interests and skills.

Here's my recommended approach:

Join project-specific communities (Discord/Slack) where you can interact with maintainers directly. For freeCodeCamp, that's chat.freecodecamp.org and forum.freecodecamp.org.

Look for issues labeled 'first timers welcome', 'good first issue', or 'help wanted' in GitHub repositories. Many major projects use these labels as do we.

Before diving into code contributions, try helping with documentation or translations. This is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with contribution workflows.

Remember, the aim is not to make massive changes right away. Start small, focus on quality, and gradually take on more challenging tasks as you become comfortable with the process.

Good luck, and I look forward to seeing your contributions to the open source community! Whether it's at freeCodeCamp, Node.js, or any other project, maintainers are here to support you.

Happy coding!