What is open source?
Open source can be simply termed as the projects, works or source code available publicly. Users and developers all over the world will be able to see all the related updates to it.
The main purpose of the open source is for open collaboration. Developers all over the world would be able to communicate and collaborate with each other. Making open source will amplify the open source software's and communities more efficient. Contributing to open source projects will build your morale and reputation. People who contribute to open source projects have access to other community members' insights and experience. If you're on GitHub, a large portion of the things you do on that platform are public.
Let's Get Started
Anyone from anywhere can contribute to the open source projects no matter which level they are at. Some of the platforms where you can contribute are:
Look for something you are interested in!
Often folks try to go for projects which are popular and has large communities but later end up their journey. Going for projects which interest you will be a great start in the open source journey.
Understanding the process
If you are beginners then you might be wondering what's happening. You won't be able to know the procedure and how things works here. But let me tell you all you need is getting involved and maintain consistency. Talking with people with similar interest in open source will make easy for you to understand the process.
Try looking for docs
Every open source projects has docs to get started with it. Going through the docs before heading for contribution will give a brief about how it works, what it does, etc. You can even update the docs if you find there needs some changes, this is also considered as contribution. Starting contribution to docs will give a boost in your open source journey.
Talking to maintainers
There's maintainers in every projects. Most of developers communicate with each other through Slack. You can ask the member of the organization through slack and help others in the community. Taking a brief about the project will give a better understand about the projects. After getting enough hands on experience, we should help newbies getting started with it.
Get involved
Getting involved should the first priority for the beginners in open source. Often folks try to do it by themselves and end up with lots of bugs which they are unable to resolve. Always have a collaborative mindset while working in open source projects, communicate with people around the world.
You don't have to contribute to code
A common misconception about contributing to open source is that you need to contribute code. In fact, it’s often the other parts of a project that are most neglected or overlooked. You’ll do the project a huge favor by offering to pitch in with these types of contributions!
Finally
Whether you just made your first open source contribution, or you’re looking for new ways to contribute, we hope you’re inspired to take action. Even if your contribution wasn’t accepted, don’t forget to say thanks when a maintainer put effort into helping you. Open source is made by people like us: one issue, pull request, comment, or high-five at a time.