Open source is more than just a way to write software; it's a gateway to learning, collaboration, and innovation. My journey in open source started as a curious beginner, and today I'm proud to be an active contributor and mentor within this amazing community. In this blog, I'll share my story, the lessons I've learned, and actionable advice for anyone looking to begin their open-source journey.

How it All Began

When I first encountered open source, the idea of collaborating with developers worldwide fascinated me. However, I felt intimidated by the complexity of the projects and doubted my skills. My first contribution was a badge addition. A small yet significant step that built my confidence.

From there, I explored beginner-friendly repositories on GitHub and gradually started fixing minor bugs and adding small features. These initial contributions paved the way for larger, more impactful work.

Highlights of My Open Source Journey

First Contribution

Making my first pull request was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Despite its simplicity, it marked the beginning of a rewarding journey.

Key Achievements

• Top 10 Participant in GSSoC 2022: My active contribution earned me recognition among global participants.
• Mentorship Roles: As a mentor and moderator at GSSoC and HSSoC, I guided aspiring developers and helped foster a welcoming community.
• GitHub Discussions Role Model: This recognition highlighted my efforts to promote constructive conversations in the open-source ecosystem.
• 400+ Day GitHub Commit Streak: While some people maintain Snapchat streaks, I'm proud of my GitHub streak, showcasing dedication and coding consistency.

Speaking About Open Source

One of the most fulfilling experiences in my journey was speaking publicly about open source. Sharing my experiences, challenges, and achievements with a wider audience not only reinforced my knowledge but also inspired others to embark on their open-source journey. These talks emphasized the collaborative nature of open source and how it transforms individual efforts into impactful global contributions.

Favourite Projects

One project I'm particularly proud of is my npm package, Text to Bookmark. It's a straightforward utility that converts plain text files containing URLs into bookmark HTML files. These HTML files are compatible with most web browsers, making it easy to import and manage bookmarks.

Lessons Learned

1. Start Small: Even the smallest contribution matter. Fixing typos, improving documentation, or addressing minor bugs are great ways to begin.
2. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to seek help. The open-source is filled with people eager to support newcomers.
3. Stay Consistent: Regular contributions, even small ones, help you build skills and grow your confidence.
4. Celebrate Milestones: Every pull request, merged code, or meaningful discussion is worth acknowledging.

Advice for Beginners

1. Find Beginners-Friendly Projects

Look for repositories labelled good first issue on GitHub. These are tailored to help newcomers start contributing without feeling overwhelmed.

• First Contributions
• Up For Grabs

2. Master Git and GitHub

Understanding version control is essential. Free resources like GitHub Docs and Pro Git Book can help you get started or you can go through this video.

3. Join Open Source Events

Participating in events like Hactoberfest or Google Summer of Code is an excellent way to connect with the community and learn by coding.

• HacktoberFest
• Google Summer of Code
• Winter of Code
• Outreachy
• Open Summer of Code

4. Document Your Journey

Share your experiences through blogs, tweets, or videos. Platforms like Dev.to and Hashnode are great for reaching a wider audience.

The Road Ahead

Open source has given me more than technical skills. It's taught me patience, communication, and the power of community. Whether you're fixing a bug, mentoring a contributor, or launching your project, every step in open source is a step toward personal and professional growth.

If you're hesitant about starting, remember: that the open-source community is diverse and inclusive. There's always room for one more contributor and that could be you!

Final thoughts

Open source is a journey, not a destination. Every contribution you make is a step toward creating something meaningful and impactful. Dive in, let's shape the future of technology together.