Participating in Hacktoberfest 2025 was an eye-opening experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for the open-source community. As a first-time contributor, I was initially nervous about navigating repositories, understanding issues, and submitting pull requests. But diving in taught me that open source is not just about writing code—it’s about collaboration, learning, and sharing knowledge.
Through Hacktoberfest, I learned practical skills like forking repositories, branching, creating pull requests, and writing clear commit messages. Beyond the technical side, I experienced the value of community feedback and mentorship. Every accepted contribution, no matter how small, reinforced the idea that everyone can make a meaningful impact.
This experience also changed my perspective on open source. I now see it as a living ecosystem where contributors and maintainers collectively improve software for the benefit of everyone. It’s a space where curiosity, persistence, and collaboration matter more than perfection.
For anyone considering participating next year, my advice is simple: start small, pick issues that interest you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Open source is welcoming, and the learning and connections you gain are invaluable. Hacktoberfest is not just about the PRs—it’s about growth, contribution, and being part of something bigger. This is a submission for the 2025 Hacktoberfest Writing Challenge: Open Source Reflections
Top comments (1)
Nice reflection, really captures the spirit of open source and Hacktoberfest. I like how you highlighted both the learning curve and the community aspect. Did you end up sticking with open source contributions after Hacktoberfest, or was it more of a one-time experience?