How to Start Contributing to Open Source Projects

Contributing to open source projects can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to grow as a developer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, open source software (OSS) provides a platform to learn from others, fix bugs, and even shape the future of tools used by millions. The key is knowing where to start and how to navigate the process effectively.

If you’ve ever wondered how to join the open source community, this guide breaks down the essential steps—from identifying beginner-friendly projects to submitting your first contribution. By following these practices, you can turn curiosity into action and become an active participant in the global software ecosystem.

What defines open source software?

Open source software is built on the principle of transparency and collaboration. Unlike proprietary software, its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This means developers worldwide can inspect, enhance, and adapt the code to suit their needs.

For newcomers, contributing to OSS can accelerate learning by exposing them to real-world codebases and industry best practices. GitHub serves as the central hub for these projects, making it the ideal place to begin your open source journey.

Where to find beginner-friendly OSS projects

Selecting the right project is crucial for a positive first experience. Start by focusing on repositories that align with your technical skills and interests. GitHub Copilot Chat offers an efficient way to discover suitable projects by filtering based on language, contributor labels, and community engagement.

To use this tool:

• Visit github.com and open GitHub Copilot Chat from the interface.
• In the chat settings, choose Ask as the interaction mode.
• Enter a prompt such as:

Show me open source projects written in Python that use the "good first issue" label and have over 100 stars on GitHub.

Copilot will generate a curated list of repositories that match your criteria. The good first issue label is particularly useful, as it flags tasks designed for newcomers. For example, the vscode repository on GitHub categorizes such issues under this label, making it easier to find your first contribution opportunity.

Once you’ve identified a potential project, review its Issues tab and filter by good first issue to see available tasks. Before diving in, always check the repository’s CONTRIBUTING.md file for guidelines on how to submit changes.

How to evaluate an open source project

Not all repositories are equally suitable for beginners. A well-maintained project typically includes several key indicators:

• A clear README.md file with setup instructions
• A CONTRIBUTING.md guide outlining contribution steps
• An open source license (e.g., MIT, Apache) to define usage rights
• At least 100 GitHub stars, reflecting community adoption
• Recent commit activity, proving active maintenance
• A good first issue label for beginner tasks

These elements signal that the project is welcoming to new contributors and structured for collaboration. Spending time reviewing these files ensures you choose a project that values your contributions and provides necessary support.

Your first contribution: step-by-step

Let’s walk through a practical example using the gitfolio repository, a tool for creating developer portfolios. To assess its suitability:

• The project includes a detailed README.md with installation steps.
• A CONTRIBUTING.md file outlines how to submit changes.
• The repository displays an MIT license, confirming its open source status.
• It has thousands of stars, indicating strong community engagement.
• Recent commits show active development, with the last update occurring yesterday.

If you’re comfortable with TypeScript, this repository is a solid starting point. However, even if you’re not familiar with the language, you can still follow along to understand the process.

The next step is to create a fork of the repository. A fork is a personal copy where you can experiment without affecting the original project. This is the standard workflow for open source contributions.

Once you’ve made your changes locally, commit them to your fork and submit a pull request to the original repository. Maintainers will review your submission, provide feedback, and—if everything checks out—merge your contribution into the main codebase.

The open source community thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge. By taking the first step today, you’re not just improving a project—you’re becoming part of a global network of developers shaping the future of software. Start small, stay consistent, and let your contributions grow over time.