When I first started looking at large codebases on GitHub, the feeling was the same every time: absolute panic. I thought I needed to fix a critical bug or build a whole new feature to contribute. But after successfully merging seven Pull Requests (PRs) in just 2 days across multiple repositories, I realized the real secret: Open Source is about consistency and culture, not just genius code.
If you’re a beginner developer staring at your first "Good First Issue" tag, this is the simple, three-step strategy I used to make my contributions count and get them successfully merged.
🚀 Phase 1: The Tactical Hunt (Finding the Right Target)
The biggest mistake is aiming for the largest, most famous project. They have the longest review cycles and the highest standards. Here’s what worked for me:
- Skip the Code, Check the Documentation
My first few successful PRs were all related to documentation (README.md), typos, or dependency version updates. These are low-stakes, high-impact changes that save the maintainer time.
Pro-Tip: Look for projects with a confusing setup process. If you struggled to install it, that means the README needs help! Fixing this is a high-value contribution.
- Look for "Good First Issue" on Active, Small Projects
Filter GitHub issues by the good first issue tag, but add a crucial filter: check the project’s "Pull requests" tab.
Rule of Thumb: If the maintainer has merged PRs in the last 7 days, they are actively reviewing. If the last PR was merged 6 months ago, your code might sit there forever. Active maintainers = fast merges.
- Start with Simple Visual Fixes
One of my easiest merges was a minor CSS fix in a resume builder project (dev-o-los/rexime). It was a simple change to the border radius, but it made the project look better instantly. If you can see the fix, you can code the fix.
💡 Phase 2: The Contribution Culture (Making the Merge Easy)
Your goal is not just to write code; it is to make the maintainer's job easier. They are often volunteers, and respect for their time is key.
- Write the Perfect Commit Message and PR Title
Commit: Use clear prefixes like feat: (new feature), fix: (bug fix), or docs: (documentation). Example: fix: Resolved layout shift in mobile view
PR Title: Make it explicit. Example: Feature Request: Add Dark Mode Toggle (This was one of my quick merges!)
- The Merged vs. Closed Revelation
When I started, I was confused. Does "Closed" mean rejected? Absolutely not.
A PR is closed after it has been merged. The maintainer is simply closing the discussion thread because the code has been accepted and incorporated into the main branch. If you see "Merged" on the PR, it counts. (I have seven of these, and they are all going on my resume!)
- Communicate Clearly and Politely
Always use professional but friendly language.
Opening: "Hi! I noticed X issue and implemented Y fix. Let me know if you'd prefer an alternative approach."
Responding to review: "Thanks for catching that! I've pushed the requested changes to fix the error handling."
📈 Phase 3: The Snowball Effect
Getting the first PR merged is the hardest. After that, it gets easier because you know the workflow and the maintainer recognizes your name.
I started with small fixes and moved up to adding multiple new features to the same project. The key is to keep showing up. Open Source is the ultimate portfolio builder—it proves you can work on complex, real-world problems with real developers.
If you’re reading this, go find your first issue. That single merge is the difference between a side project and a full-stack career.
Happy coding!
Find my seven merged PRs and follow my journey on GitHub: shalinibhavi525-sudo
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