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Start with a project you care about, read its contribution instructions, then choose a small task the maintainers actually want. You do not need to begin with a major code change: documentation improvements and small bug reports can help you learn a project’s codebase and contribution workflow.
Choose a project that holds your interest
Pick software you use, or a project whose purpose matters to you. Familiarity gives you a practical starting point: you may already know what the project does and where its documentation or user experience could be clearer. Open Source Guides recommends choosing a project that interests you and reading its README to understand its purpose and organization: How to Contribute to Open Source.
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Do not choose solely because a repository advertises beginner tasks. First make sure you can understand what the project is for and find its guidance for contributors.
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Look for a CONTRIBUTING file, contribution section in the README, or instructions linked from the repository. These explain how the project wants issues and changes handled. Requirements differ by project, so use its own process rather than assuming a familiar GitHub workflow applies everywhere. Open Source Guides advises reading these instructions before opening an issue or pull request.
#1 Best Overall
Read the discussion on any task you are considering, too. A label can help you find potential work, but it does not tell you by itself whether the task is still available, clearly scoped, or a good fit.
Pick a small task that is wanted
GitHub Docs recommends beginning with minor work to learn the codebase and contributor workflow: “When first contributing to a project, starting with minor fixes like documentation improvements or small bug reports can help you familiarize yourself with the codebase and contributor workflow.” See GitHub’s guide to contributing to open source.
Rank #2
- Documentation: Fix a typo, clarify a confusing instruction, or correct a small error, following the project’s documentation process.
- A small bug report: Describe a reproducible problem clearly and include the information the project requests.
- A labeled issue: Search for issues marked “good first issue” or “help wanted,” then read the issue and repository guidance before committing to it. GitHub describes ways to find contribution opportunities in its guide to finding ways to contribute.
If the work has not been requested or is not clearly marked for outside contributors, ask in the issue whether the proposed change fits the project’s goals before investing in it. This is especially important for a substantial change: an unsolicited pull request may not match what maintainers want.
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Set up only what your task requires
Some contributions can start with a report or a documentation edit; a local code change generally requires working with the repository. For local Git work, install and set up Git. GitHub explains this in its account onboarding guide. Then follow the project’s own instructions for getting the files, making and checking the change, and submitting it. The necessary tools and checks depend on that project.
You do not need to assume that every first contribution involves programming. Documentation is an explicitly recommended entry point, and projects may describe other needs in their own contribution guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Submit the change and take part in review
- Follow the repository’s contribution instructions. Use its stated process to prepare your change and open a pull request, if that is the requested route.
- Explain the change clearly. Describe what you changed and how it relates to the issue or project need, using any format the maintainers request.
- Respond to review. Maintainers may ask questions or request adjustments. Treat that feedback as part of contributing and follow the project’s process for updates.
A pull request is a proposal, not a guarantee of acceptance. The project’s maintainers decide whether and how a change fits.
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- Open Source, Programmer, Developer, Software Engineer, Code, DevOps, Computer, Software, Scrum, Python, Linux, Stack Overflow, Java, Dotnet, Docker, Terraform, Kubernetes, Deploy
- Salt, Puppet, Chef, Container, AWS, Azure, Cloud, Coding, Programming, Geek, Funny, Tech, Technical, Compile, Compilation, Science, Bug, Debug
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
A quick check before you begin
- You understand what the project does and have read its README.
- You have checked the contribution instructions and the relevant issue discussion.
- The task is small and clear enough to explain, and the project appears to want the work.
- You know what setup the task requires and can follow the repository’s documented workflow.
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