How to Contribute to Open Source as a Beginner

Open source contribution is one of the most efficient means of improving one’s coding skills, networking with coders globally, and building a resume that gets hired. But as a beginner, it’s daunting.

Here, you will learn how you can work with open source, whether you have prior experience with GitHub or not.

What is Open Source?

Open source means software whose source code is freely available and can be viewed by everyone, changed, and enhanced.

Popular examples include:

• Linux

• VS Code

• Node.js

• freeCodeCamp

They could be code, documentation, UI/UX, translations, testing, or even bug tracking.

Why Give?

• Establish healthy coding practices

• Collaborate with experienced developers

• Create a master GitHub profile

• Stand out in resume and internship applications

• Become part of a community of global developers

✅ Bonus: Numerous firms directly employ open-source contributors!

Prerequisites Before You Begin

Critical Git and GitHub skills

→ Learn Git fundamentals here

Knowledge of coding and problem-solving

→ Start with JavaScript, Python, or whatever you like

Familiar with VS Code or any ID

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Contributing

1. Make a GitHub Account

• Sign up on GitHub.com and create your profile:

• Add a profile picture and bio

• Pin. Some of your own projects

• Include links to your LinkedIn or portfolio

2. Find Beginner-Friendly Repositories Look for labels like:

• good first issue

• help required

• beginner-friendly

Use sites like:

goodfirstissue.dev

Up For Grabs

CodeTriage

First Contributions Repository

3. Know the Project

Before contributing:

• Read the README file

• Go through the CONTRIBUTING.md

• Go through open issues

• Review pull requests to inherit code style and conventions

4. Make Your First Contribution

Easy steps:

• Clone the repository

• Copy it to your local machine

• Begin a new branch (git checkout -b new-feature)

• Apply your patches or code changes

• Commit with a clear message

• Push and create a Pull Request (PR)

• Wait for feedback and review

Don’t fret rejection — criticism helps you grow!

5. Repeat and Celebrate

Once your PR got merged:

• Celebrate!

• Share it on LinkedIn

• Keep posting regularly

• Contribution Types (Even Without Code)

You can help by:

• Typo correction in documentation

• Translating content

• Setting tests Causing problems Other PRs remark Improving UI/UX Not everything should be code — community is founded on cooperation!

Why Beginners Should Contribute to Open Source

There are many advantages of contributing to open source that tutorials alone cannot provide.

🚀 Real-World Coding Experience

You get to work on real-world code that is used by actual users.

📂 Strong Portfolio

Your GitHub profile will serve as a proof of your skills.

🤝 Learn from Experienced Developers

You get feedback in the form of code reviews and discussions.

💼 Better Job Opportunities

Hiring managers may check your GitHub profile during the hiring process.

Common Myths About Open Source

❌ “I must be an expert”
❌ “Only big contributions matter”
❌ “I need to write complex code”

✅ Reality:
Even small contributions like documentation fixes or bug reports are valuable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Contributing to Open Source

Step 1: Create a GitHub Account

GitHub is the main platform for open source collaboration.

👉 Set up:

• A professional username
• Profile picture
• Short bio

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Step 2: Learn Basic Git Commands

You should understand:

git clone
git add
git commit
git push
git pull

These commands are enough to start contributing.

Step 3: Find Beginner-Friendly Projects

Search for repositories with the following labels:

• good first issue

• beginner friendly

• help wanted

Best Platforms to Find Projects:

• GitHub Explore

• First Timers Only

• Good First Issues

• Up For Grabs

Step 4: Choose the Right Project

As a beginner, pick:

• Small or medium projects

• Active repositories

• Clear README and contribution guidelines

Avoid very large or inactive projects initially.

Step 5: Read the Documentation Carefully

Before coding:

• Read the README

• Check CONTRIBUTING.md

• Follow code style rules

• Understand project structure

This step prevents mistakes and saves time.

Step 6: Start with Small Contributions

Begin with:

• Fixing typos
• Improving documentation
• Writing comments
• Solving small bugs
• Adding examples

Small wins build confidence.

Step 7: Fork, Clone, and Create a Branch

Typical workflow:

git fork repository
git clone your-fork
git checkout -b fix-issue-name

Always create a new branch for your changes.

Step 8: Make Changes and Commit Clearly

Use meaningful commit messages:

git commit -m "Fix typo in installation guide"

Clear commits make maintainers happy.

Step 9: Open a Pull Request (PR)

When ready:

• Push changes

• Create a pull request

• Explain what you fixed

• Reference the issue number

Communicate politely and in a professional manner.

Step 10: Handle Feedback Gracefully

Maintainers may:

• Request changes
• Suggest improvements
• Ask questions

This is normal. Feedback helps you grow.

How Open Source Helps Your Career

Open source experience shows:

• Team collaboration
• Code quality
• Consistency
• Problem-solving ability

Many developers land jobs because of their GitHub contributions.

Last Words

Developing open source as a beginner developer can be intimidating in the beginning, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences out there in the technology world. If you must get a job, network, or simply repay the community, open source forces you to learn by doing it, and that is the best way to become a better developer.

We offer developers learning and hands-on skills in communities at FlymingoTech. Start small, work consistently, and you will be surprised at how quickly your confidence will be boosted.

Ready to put your very first pull request in? Today’s the day to do it.