Open source contribution involves contributing to the development or improvement of open-source software. However, open source collaboration can extend beyond software to include books, recipes, lists, and classes. Contributing to open source projects can be a rewarding way to learn, teach, share, and build experience. Some reasons why you should contribute to an open source project include improving the software you rely on daily, finding a mentor, learning new skills or improving on existing ones, sharing your skills, gaining a much deeper knowledge about the software youre using, and building up your reputation and helping grow your career.
Contributing to open source can be intimidating and confusing depending on the project you’re working on. However, there are many opportunities to break into it and thrive even if you’re new. Open source contribution can be an amazing learning experience that allows you to give back to and be a part of communities that build valuable open source software. It enables you to make software that you use better. Although it can be tough to start, once you get the hang of it, it is immensely rewarding.
Contributing to open source projects can involve contributing code, documentation, and other contributions. Contributions are usually subject to a review from an experienced committer and/or maintainer before they are included. Organizations that use or contribute to open source projects may struggle to understand how to contribute productively. However, open source projects are critical to the ability for most organizations to deliver products and services to their customers.
