Getting Started with Coding
Hi, I’m Kunal Gupta, a first-year Computer Science student specializing in AI/ML and actively exploring open source and real-world software development.
Before joining college, I had almost no prior knowledge of programming. Python was the first programming language I learned, along with other technologies introduced during my classes. At that time, however, I didn’t fully understand how these skills translated into real-world software development.
My first hands-on experience came when I learned basic HTML and CSS and built a static gaming-themed website inspired by Apex Legends. It was a simple project, but it gave me the confidence that I could actually build something from scratch.
Exploring Programming and Open Source
Around the same time, I discovered Hacktoberfest and decided to participate. This was my first real exposure to open source. I learned the basic contribution workflow and became more familiar with GitHub.
After that, I continued learning JavaScript and exploring different frameworks. I also developed a strong interest in Data Structures and Competitive Programming. Practicing on LeetCode improved my problem-solving skills, and so far I have solved more than 260 problems.
Although I had heard about Google Summer of Code even before joining college, I wasn’t familiar with sustained collaboration in large projects. I struggled to find meaningful issues, understand unfamiliar codebases, and stay active across organizations. I contributed to several projects, but I was still searching for a place where I could grow steadily as a contributor.
Discovering OWASP
Eventually, I came across OWASP, a security-focused open source organization. At that time, the idea of contributing to a real-world security project made me curious to explore further.
I began contributing to the OWASP www-community repository. My first pull request there was not perfect, but the maintainer Rick Mitchell provided helpful feedback that allowed me to improve my approach. Then I eventually got around six pull requests merged in that repository while improving my understanding of collaboration and contribution standards.
Contributing to OWASP BLT
After that, I wanted to work on a more product-focused project and started exploring OWASP BLT (Bug Logging Tool). Understanding the codebase was challenging at first, but I gradually began identifying small issues such as minor logic gaps and workflow inconsistencies, and began working on small fixes.
Seeing my pull request get merged within a few hours was incredibly motivating. It made me feel that my contributions were genuinely valuable.
I joined the Slack community and continued contributing across different parts of the BLT ecosystem. I also began reaching out to the BLT project lead, Donnie Brown, whenever I had doubts about architectural decisions or contribution workflow. These interactions helped me better understand the project’s evolution and contribute more effectively.
So far, I’ve had around 12 pull requests merged in BLT and have become more comfortable navigating real-world project workflows.
Why BLT
What made BLT interesting to me was that it wasn't just a repository for small beginner fixes. The project has a real product behind it, which meant even small contributions required understanding how different parts of the application worked together.
The issues encouraged me to go beyond surface-level fixes. Each pull request helped me understand a little more about how the system worked.
Preparing for Google Summer of Code
As I continue contributing, I am now preparing my Google Summer of Code proposal with OWASP BLT. This phase has involved exploring different repositories within the ecosystem, discussing potential proposal directions with mentors, and focusing on areas where sustained contributions can create meaningful impact.
Rather than seeing GSoC as just a goal, I now view it as an opportunity to deepen my involvement in a project and community that has already shaped my growth significantly.
Looking Ahead
What started as simple curiosity about coding has gradually turned into a structured open source journey. Along the way, I’ve learned technical skills, collaboration practices, and the importance of persistence.
I plan to continue contributing actively to OWASP BLT, refine my proposal, and keep building real-world development experience through open source. I’m excited to see how this journey evolves in the coming months.
One thing I’ve realized during this journey is that breaking into open source is less about being highly skilled from the beginning, and more about staying consistent, asking questions, and learning in public.
Connect With Me
You can check out my contributions here:
GitHub: https://github.com/Kunal241207
You can also connect with me here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunal-gupta-2285b4378
Top comments (0)