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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchI’m Shravan Sharma, a CSE (Data Science) student who enjoys building things and is exploring web development, data structures and algorithms, AI, and open source. Hacktoberfest 2026 feels like a good place to begin learning alongside the developer community—not because I have already made a set of contributions, but because I want to start.
Why I’m starting with open source
Learning to build software can feel like a solo activity: you follow a tutorial, try an idea, and work through the problems in front of you. Open source offers another way to learn. You can see how people build together, exchange ideas, and make things that others can use.
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That is what draws me to this journey. I want to keep exploring web development, DSA, and AI while learning how open-source communities work. I also hope to meet developers who are willing to share what they know and to contribute in ways that are useful to the projects and people involved.
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What Hacktoberfest 2026 is about
Hacktoberfest describes its 2026 edition as an October celebration centered on learning and building with open-source AI and open-weight models. The event is managed by MLH and DEV in partnership with DigitalOcean. Its FAQ says there will be more than 300 in-person and online community events worldwide. Hacktoberfest 2026 FAQ
For me, that makes the event a chance to explore, not a promise of instant expertise. I can learn by taking part in activities, trying ideas, and connecting with people who are building in the open.
How I can take part
Hacktoberfest lists several ways to join: participate online, attend a local Fest, or follow activities such as DEV Challenges, MLH livestreams, and Global Hack Week: Hacktoberfest. To get started, the official FAQ says to sign in to My Hacktoberfest with a MyMLH account. The participant dashboard shows activities and requirements.
- Online: The event’s online page describes completing challenges to collect virtual stickers, with a sticker pack mailed after requirements are met. Online participation is available from anywhere, subject to the rules for each activity. Hacktoberfest online participation
- In person: Find a local Fest and check its event page for registration, venue, schedule, accessibility, and any event-specific rules. If I attend as a builder, I should bring a laptop and charger; they are not necessary just to attend a Meetup or watch a livestream.
Connecting a DEV account is optional. The FAQ lists a DEV badge and DEV Challenge credit among the benefits of connecting one. Individual challenges can have their own eligibility requirements, so I’ll check those before joining.
What changed from older Hacktoberfest guides
One important detail is different in 2026: pull requests and merge requests no longer count toward Hacktoberfest rewards. The event still encourages open-source work, but its format now emphasizes learning and building together while reducing the burden of low-effort contributions on maintainers. Older guides that say a certain number of accepted PRs earns event swag do not describe the 2026 reward rules. Hacktoberfest’s current FAQ
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That distinction matters to me as a beginner. I can still contribute to open source because I want to learn and help a project, but I shouldn’t treat a PR or MR as a way to complete Hacktoberfest reward requirements.
Who can join
The FAQ says participants are generally welcome from age 13, subject to country eligibility rules. A particular Fest may set additional age or audience restrictions, and participants under 18 should ask the hosts whether parental permission is needed. DEV Challenges have separate eligibility rules, so general event guidance does not guarantee eligibility for every activity.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What I hope to take away
I’m beginning without claiming a record of Hacktoberfest achievements. My goals are simpler: learn from the community, keep building, understand how open-source collaboration works, and look for meaningful ways to contribute. If I come away with new skills and connections—and a clearer sense of where I want to go next—that will make this a worthwhile start.
My journey begins with curiosity and a willingness to participate. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can learn and build with the community this October.
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