8
filax
8y

!rant
Someone got a tip how to start contributing to open source projects? I really want to spend some time to help out but I have some problems finding something small to begin with. It seems that everything i find needs some kind of specialist know how.
So my plan is to start with some small things to work myself up to bigger projects

Thanks :)

Comments
  • 5
    Well, my advices are:
    First think of your preferred area (video, audio, dev, etc). Write them down with priorities.
    2) define what you can do in a project (dev, translation, doc,etc).
    3) Spend some time browsing on Github (and similar platforms) to find a project that suits you.
    Look especially at the number of contributors, the web site of the project (for a well defined contribution policy).
    Avoid at all cost."one man" projects.
    Good luck.
  • 0
    @Plinn Thanks! That sounds like a good idea :)
  • 1
    Start simple:
    correct typos.

    Explain the inner workings of a thing you use so that others understand it too. Do a pull request where you've rewritten that.

    Find issues and try to solve them
  • 1
    @Jase I guess because it could be hard for someone like me who has no experience in contributing to open source projects?
  • 2
    @Jase @filax they may also not want your change (dis is my shit, hands off).

    Also, find something you use. Look at issues. Try and find something to do. Otherwise, think through features you'd like to have but miss. My first PR was some small feature for a TV db nodejs wrapper. I just wrote it in for myself, and figured I'd add a PR for it. :)
  • 1
    @Jase

    Because they are not real open source projects. They are on open source dev platforms for shure but you will soon learn that the owner of the project doesn't want you to contribute. These people often think other contributors will spoil the architecture, their "vision".
    Even with open mind attitude they fear losing control....
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