How to Contribute to Open Source on GitHub: Complete Beginner Guide 2025 | Awesome Projects | Awesome Projects
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The Complete Guide to Contributing to Open Source Projects on GitHub
Learn how to contribute to open source projects on GitHub with this complete beginner-friendly guide. Covers finding projects, making your first PR, code review etiquette, and building your portfolio.
The Complete Guide to Contributing to Open Source Projects on GitHub
Contributing to open source can be intimidating. This comprehensive guide will take you from complete beginner to confident contributor.
Why Contribute to Open Source?
Career Benefits
Build your portfolio
Learn from experienced developers
Network with industry professionals
Demonstrate real-world skills
Personal Growth
Improve coding skills
Learn collaboration tools (Git, GitHub)
Understand large codebases
Practice code review
Community Impact
Give back to projects you use
Help others solve problems
Shape the tools you depend on
Build reputation in the developer community
Getting Started: First Contribution
Step 1: Find the Right Project
For beginners:
Look for "good first issue" labels
Choose projects you actually use
Start with documentation fixes
Pick active, welcoming communities
Search on GitHub:
label:"good first issue" language:JavaScript
label:"beginner friendly"
label:"help wanted"
Step 2: Understand the Project
Before contributing:
Read the README thoroughly
Check CONTRIBUTING.md
Review existing issues and PRs
Join community channels (Discord, Slack)
Run the project locally
Step 3: Set Up Your Environment
# Fork the repository
# Then clone your fork
git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/project-name.git
cd project-name
# Add upstream remote
git remote add upstream https://github.com/ORIGINAL_OWNER/project-name.git
# Install dependencies
npm install # or yarn, pip, etc.
# Run tests to ensure everything works
npm test
Step 4: Make Your Contribution
Types of contributions:
Bug fixes - Fix reported issues
Features - Add new functionality
Documentation - Improve README, guides
Tests - Add test coverage
Examples - Create usage examples
Translations - Localize content
Step 5: Follow the Contribution Process
# Create a new branch
git checkout -b fix-login-button
# Make your changes
# ... edit files ...
# Run tests
npm test
# Run linter
npm run lint
# Commit with descriptive message
git commit -m "fix: resolve login button alignment issue
- Center login button on mobile devices
- Update responsive breakpoints
- Add unit test for button component
Fixes #123"
# Push to your fork
git push origin fix-login-button
Step 6: Create a Pull Request
PR Best Practices:
Write a clear title
Good: "Fix login button alignment on mobile"
Bad: "Fixed stuff"
Describe your changes
## Description
Fixes the login button alignment issue on mobile devices.
## Changes
- Updated CSS flexbox layout
- Added responsive media queries
- Included unit tests
## Screenshots
[Before and after images]
## Testing
- Tested on Chrome, Firefox, Safari
- Verified on iOS and Android
- All tests passing
Fixes #123
Link related issues
Use "Fixes #123" or "Closes #456"
Be patient and responsive
Maintainers are volunteers
Respond to feedback promptly
Be open to suggestions
Writing Good Commit Messages
The Seven Rules
Separate subject from body with blank line
Limit subject to 50 characters
Capitalize the subject line
Don't end subject with period
Use imperative mood ("Add" not "Added")
Wrap body at 72 characters
Explain what and why, not how
Example:
feat: add user authentication system
Implement JWT-based authentication to secure API endpoints.
This allows users to register, login, and access protected routes.
- Add login/register endpoints
- Implement JWT token generation
- Create auth middleware
- Add password hashing with bcrypt
Closes #145
Thanks for the review!
> Consider using async/await instead of promises
Good point! I've updated the code to use async/await for better readability.
> The tests are missing edge cases
You're right. I've added tests for null inputs and error handling.
Let me know if there's anything else!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Reading Contribution Guidelines
Every project has different rules. Always read CONTRIBUTING.md first!
2. Making Large PRs
Break big changes into smaller, reviewable chunks.
3. Mixing Multiple Changes
One PR = One logical change. Don't fix multiple unrelated issues.
4. Ignoring Existing Patterns
Match the project's coding style and architecture.
5. Not Testing Locally
Always test before pushing!
6. Poor Communication
Be clear, polite, and professional in all interactions.
Advanced Contributions
Becoming a Regular Contributor
Start small, build trust
Review others' PRs
Help answer issues
Improve documentation
Propose new features
Earning Commit Rights
After consistent contributions:
Maintainers may invite you as collaborator
You can merge PRs and manage issues
Greater responsibility and trust
Building Your Open Source Portfolio
Showcase Your Contributions
On GitHub:
Pin important repositories
Keep profile README updated
Maintain contribution streak
On Resume:
## Open Source Contributions
**Next.js** - Added TypeScript support for API routes
- Contributed to one of the most popular React frameworks
- PR merged with 50+ approvals
- Used by 1M+ developers
**Tailwind CSS** - Improved documentation
- Enhanced getting started guide
- Added 10+ new examples
- Increased clarity for beginners
Contributing to open source is one of the best ways to grow as a developer. Start small, be consistent, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Every expert was once a beginner!
Your first contribution checklist:
[ ] Find a project you use
[ ] Look for "good first issue"
[ ] Read contribution guidelines
[ ] Set up development environment
[ ] Make a small improvement
[ ] Submit your PR
[ ] Respond to feedback
[ ] Celebrate your contribution! 🎉
Remember: The open source community is welcoming and supportive. Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. Your contribution matters, no matter how small!
Start today. Pick a project. Make your first PR. You've got this! 💪
