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.