Open Source guide
Open Source guide Open Source guide

Open source software is made by people just like you. Learn how to launch and grow your project.

How to Contribute to Open Source is a featured guide in GitHub's Open Source Guides collection that provides actionable advice for first-timers and veteran developers on making open-source contributions.

The main topics and takeaways covered in the guide include:

  • Diverse Contribution Types: Highlights that contributing extends beyond writing code to include writing documentation, improving accessibility, triaging issues, reviewing code, and organizing community activities.

  • Workflow & Project Etiquette: Guides contributors through evaluating a project's guidelines, searching existing issues before opening new ones, and engaging respectfully with maintainers.

  • Building Skills & Trust: Explains how investing time in software you use and love helps build technical skills, establish a public portfolio, and foster community connections.

  • Project Security & Quality: Encourages adopting essential security practices, adherence to code scanning, and following established project standards.