Before you contribute, check that you understand the project’s purpose, can follow its contribution workflow, accept its license and community rules, and know how it handles security reports and software distribution. These signals help you make an informed choice, but none can certify that a repository is safe, active, or welcoming. Inspect the repository’s current files and practices before acting.
1. Understand the project and whether it fits your goal
Read the README and project documentation
Start with the README and linked documentation. Identify what the software does, who it is for, how to set it up, and what kinds of changes are within scope. GitHub describes repository materials such as a README, contribution guidelines, license, citation file, and code of conduct as ways to communicate project expectations: GitHub’s repository best practices.
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Look at recent activity and review history
Check recent issues, pull requests, and maintainer reviews to see how the project currently operates. Look for whether questions receive responses, how proposed changes are discussed, and whether reviews explain requested revisions. There is no universal activity threshold that proves a repository is maintained; judge the evidence in the context of the project and the kind of contribution you want to make.
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2. Learn the contribution workflow before changing code
Find the project’s instructions
Look for CONTRIBUTING.md or equivalent guidance. OpenSSF’s OSPS Baseline version dated 2026-08-28 calls for guidance on participating and submitting changes. The guide should tell you how to report bugs, propose work, run tests, follow style conventions, and submit a pull request. Treat the repository’s own instructions as the source of truth.
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Check prerequisites and review expectations
Before starting, find out whether you should open an issue or discuss the idea with a maintainer first. Note required checks, pull-request templates, review expectations, sign-offs, or other project-specific conditions. Some projects also require two-factor authentication for contributors; OpenSSF’s beginner contribution guide published 2025-09-22 recommends reading the README, contribution guide, and code of conduct, and notes that 2FA may be required.
Try the documented setup with a small change
Confirm that you can reproduce the development setup and run the relevant tests before committing to a larger piece of work. A focused first change helps reveal missing setup steps or workflow blockers while keeping the scope manageable.
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3. Check the license and community expectations
Read the source license
Find the license in a standard location such as LICENSE, COPYING, or a LICENSES/ directory, then read its terms. The OSPS Baseline specifies that a source license should be kept in a standard repository location. A visible, public repository is not by itself a reason to assume that particular reuse or contribution terms suit you.
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Check whether the repository has a code of conduct and whether it names a contact or process for reporting concerns. The code can explain expected community behavior, but its presence does not prove that the community is active or welcoming.
Look for governance, maintainer roles, and extra agreements
Governance or maintainer documentation can clarify who is responsible for decisions and how project roles work. The OSPS Baseline recommends documenting participants and roles through governance or maintainer documents, or similar project materials. Also check whether contributors must sign an agreement or accept additional terms; requirements vary by repository.
4. Inspect security and distribution practices
Find the security reporting policy
Look for SECURITY.md or another security policy. Follow its instructions for reporting vulnerabilities privately; a public issue may expose details before maintainers can address them.
Review dependency information and official download channels
Where the package manager supports it, check whether the project documents its dependencies. The OSPS Baseline specifies a dependency list that accounts for direct language dependencies when supported by the package-management system. If the project identifies official download or distribution channels, check whether they use cryptographically authenticated channels, a control intended to protect against adversary-in-the-middle attacks.
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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 matchThese are practices to inspect, not proof that the code is secure or that the project meets a certification. The OSPS Baseline sets project security criteria; it does not guarantee the security of an arbitrary repository.
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5. Compare candidate repositories using the same checks
If you are choosing between projects, compare them on consistent criteria rather than relying on one reassuring signal:
- Contribution guidance: Is the process clear enough for you to make and submit a change?
- License: Are the terms clear and compatible with your intended contribution?
- Governance and review: Are maintainer roles and the review process documented, and do recent interactions show how they work in practice?
- Security and supply chain: Is there a specific security reporting route, and are relevant dependency and distribution practices documented?
- Fit and activity: Does the project’s purpose align with your skills or goals, and does its recent activity suit the kind of contribution you plan to make?
These comparisons require inspecting each repository. General guidance does not rank projects or establish that any particular one is a good choice.
Quick Recap
Before you submit
- Read the README and linked project documentation; confirm the project’s purpose and scope.
- Review recent issues, pull requests, and reviews to understand current activity and maintainer practices.
- Follow the contribution guide, including any issue-first, testing, sign-off, or 2FA requirements.
- Read the license, code of conduct, governance materials, and any contributor agreement.
- Locate the private security-reporting route and review documented dependency and distribution practices where applicable.
- Verify the setup and tests with a small, focused change before taking on larger work.
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