Open Source: The Easy Way, How not to break the Internet (Yet)😁

#opensource #programming #beginners #github

Introduction

In the early days of computing, software was freely shared among researchers, fostering collaboration and driving innovation. By the 1970s, proprietary software gained traction, and by 1998, the term "Open Source" emerged, promoting publicly accessible source code that anyone can view, modify, and distribute.

Open Source Software (OSS) is technically defined as software licensed to grant users the rights to use, study, change, and distribute its code, That's what i have read personally. Think of OSS as a recipe anyone can tweak, inviting collaboration and making technology more adaptable and accessible.

Open Source

Why Should I contribute?

By engaging with open source projects, you not only help improve software that millions rely on but also gain invaluable real-world experience that can significantly boost your career.

Real-World Experience: You will get practical knowledge and work experience right from the first year of your university if you are making opensource contributions.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse community of developers, which can lead to mentorship, collaborations, and ultimately job opportunities.
Portfolio Building: Showcase your contributions on platforms like GitHub, creating a tangible portfolio that demonstrates your abilities to potential employers.
Community Engagement: You can be part of a collaborative environment where you can share knowledge, learn from others, and contribute to projects that matter to you.
Personal Satisfaction: It's so cool that people are actually the product you have built. Trust me! This feeling is insane.

Is there any Prerequisites ?

Yes, there are some prerequisites to consider before diving into open source contributions.

Basic Understanding of Git: Familiarity with Git commands for version control.
GitHub Proficiency: Knowledge of using GitHub for hosting and sharing code.
Open Source Licenses: Awareness of different licenses and their implications.
Project Structure Familiarity: Understanding common files like README and CONTRIBUTING.
Best Practices Knowledge: Adhering to coding standards and contribution guidelines.
Communication Skills: Engaging respectfully in discussions and feedback and not spamming in the discussions.

I'm beginner I can't Code.

Let me tell you, some of my first open source contributions involved fixing the color of text on a website and creating a video for website demonstrations. It’s important to note that open source contributions aren’t solely about coding; you can contribute in many different ways. If you’re hesitant about coding, start with documentation. Most communities are very welcoming and appreciate any help you can provide!

How do I Start there's a lot to explore?

I agree! Nowadays, there is so much information available on the internet that it can be difficult for people to find content that matches their skill level or interests. I would suggest starting with resources that are specifically designed for beginners.

Find Beginner-Friendly Repositories: Look for repositories labeled with “good first issue,” “newcomers,” or “easy” on platforms like GitHub.
Join Open Source Communities: Engage with communities on platforms like Discord or Slack.
Events: Attend meetups, conferences, or hackathons focused on open source, Introduce yourself to the community.

Here are Some resources you can checkout as a beginner!

Above I have shared some valuable resources for beginners looking to get started in open source. If you already have some experience, be sure to check out the blog I've shared Top Open Source Communities of 2024, where you'll find high-quality communities that you can contribute to!

Conclusion

If you’ve never participated in open-source projects or feel unsure about getting started, now is the perfect time to dive in. Contributing is not only valuable for the community, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for you.
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Thankyou Once Again!!