Lessons from My First Open Source Contribution
Contributing to open source seemed intimidating until I actually did it. Here's what I learned along the way.
For months, I had been using open source libraries daily. React, Next.js, countless npm packages—all built by developers who contributed their time freely. I wanted to give back, but I didn't know where to start.
Finding the Right Project
The advice everyone gives is "scratch your own itch." It's good advice, but what does it mean in practice?
For me, it meant looking at the tools I used every day. I found a small bug in a documentation site I frequently visited. Nothing major—just a broken link and a typo. Perfect for a first contribution.
The Fear Was Real
I must have read the contribution guidelines five times. I checked my code another ten times. What if I was doing it wrong? What if the maintainers thought my contribution was stupid?
Looking back, that fear was completely unfounded. The maintainers were incredibly welcoming.
What I Actually Learned
1. Maintainers Are Usually Very Friendly
The stereotype of the grumpy open source maintainer who tears apart your code? I haven't met them yet. Most maintainers are grateful for any help, even small fixes.
2. Documentation Matters More Than Code
My first accepted PR wasn't even code—it was fixing documentation. Turns out, clear documentation is just as valuable as new features. Sometimes more so.
3. Small Contributions Add Up
You don't need to build a revolutionary feature. Fixing typos, improving error messages, adding examples—these all matter. The codebase gets better one small change at a time.
The Unexpected Benefits
Beyond the satisfaction of contributing, I learned so much by reading other people's code. Seeing how experienced developers structure their projects, handle edge cases, and write tests taught me more than any tutorial.
Plus, having those green squares on my GitHub profile is oddly motivating.
Starting Small is Okay
My advice? Don't aim for your first contribution to be a major feature in a huge project. Find a small issue in a project you use. Fix it. Submit a PR. Get comfortable with the process.
Once you've done it once, the second time is much easier.
The Community Aspect
What surprised me most was the sense of community. These aren't just random people submitting code—they're a group of individuals all trying to make something better together.
You'll make connections, learn from others, and maybe even find opportunities you never expected.
Just Start
If you've been thinking about contributing to open source but haven't yet, this is your sign. Find a "good first issue," read the contribution guidelines, and submit that PR.
The worst that can happen? Someone asks you to make changes. The best? You become part of something bigger than yourself.
And who knows—maybe your first contribution will lead to many more.