Open source projects are the backbone of the software world, powering everything from small utilities to major platforms. Contributing to open source on GitHub is a fantastic way to improve your skills, collaborate with developers worldwide, and give back to the community.
If you’ve never contributed before, the process might seem intimidating. But with a few clear steps, you’ll be ready to join open source projects and make meaningful contributions.
Why Contribute to Open Source?
- Learn new skills by working with real-world projects
- Build your portfolio and reputation as a developer
- Collaborate with others and expand your network
- Help improve software used by millions
- Gain confidence in your coding and collaboration skills
Step 1: Find a Project That Interests You
GitHub is home to millions of open source projects. To find one:
- Browse topics on GitHub (e.g., https://github.com/topics)
- Check repositories you use or follow on GitHub
- Explore curated lists like goodfirstissue.dev or firsttimersonly.com
Look for repositories tagged with “good first issue” or “help wanted” to find beginner-friendly tasks.
Step 2: Fork the Repository
Forking creates your own copy of the project where you can make changes freely without affecting the original repo.
- Click the Fork button at the top right of the project’s GitHub page
- This creates a copy in your GitHub account
Step 3: Clone Your Fork Locally
Download the forked repo to your computer:
git clone https://github.com/your-username/project-name.git
cd project-name
Replace your-username and project-name with your details.
Step 4: Create a New Branch
Always create a new branch for your work to keep things organized:
git checkout -b feature-or-fix-name
Use descriptive branch names like fix-login-bug or add-readme-section.
Step 5: Make Your Changes
- Edit code, fix bugs, add features, or improve documentation
- Test your changes locally
- Follow the project’s coding guidelines and style
Step 6: Commit Your Changes
Stage and commit your changes with a clear, concise message:
git add .
git commit -m "Briefly describe your changes"
Step 7: Push Your Branch to GitHub
git push origin feature-or-fix-name
Step 8: Open a Pull Request (PR)
- Go to your forked repository on GitHub
- Click the Compare & pull request button
- Write a clear description explaining what you did and why
- Submit the PR for review
Step 9: Respond to Feedback
Open source maintainers might suggest changes or improvements.
- Engage politely and professionally
- Make requested changes and push updates to your branch
- Your PR will update automatically
Step 10: Celebrate Your Contribution!
Once your PR is merged, you’ve officially contributed to an open source project — congratulations!
Tips for Successful Contributions
- Read the project’s README, CONTRIBUTING.md, and issue templates
- Start small: fix typos, improve documentation, or tackle minor bugs
- Be patient: maintainers are often volunteers and may take time to review
- Engage with the community respectfully and constructively
Final Thoughts
Contributing to open source is rewarding and educational. The process may seem complex at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.