5 Surprising Benefits of Contributing to Open Source [Beginner Edition] 🚀
Tags: beginners, opensource, career, github
Published: 2023-06-14 08:29:35

Hey peeps 👋

Hope everyone is doing fantastic!

In today’s blog, lets look into why people really want to contribute to open source. 🤔

*“For their career growth”* you say?

Evidently, that’s a big component..

However, did you know that it is actually one of the few reasons why you should do it? 😮

Let’s see together the 5 reasons of why its **absolutely brilliant** to become an open source coder 👯‍♀️

**tl;dr**

1. Build cool sh*t 👷‍♀️
2. Be a Real Sponge → learn, learn, learn  🧠
3. Become a true socialite: a very positive effect on network quality 📈
4. Become the “trends” jedi master 📰
5. Make tangible impact on the world 🌍

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#**1. Build cool sh*t** 🏗️

Let’s start with a bang: if you are a creator at heart (and I know you are!) then you just get to build and ship cool stuff! 👷‍♀️

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/isrq2klmkm9g1nd9l34l.gif)


If you are interested in coding then I’m sure that growing up you enjoyed building, creating and experimenting with things. 

By contributing to open source, you will continue to do exactly that whilst working on projects you are passionate about. The craziest thing is that some of these projects have the potential to change the world as we know it! 🌎

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#**2. Be a Real Knowledge Sponge** 🧽

Contributing to open source can help you demonstrate your skills to potential employers - that’s a fact. 

This is the reason we built [quira.sh](https://quira.sh/?utm_source=devto&utm_campaign=benefits_open_source&utm_content=first_link) where we help any developers (from beginner to senior) find the right projects to contribute to on Github.

However, sharing your contributions on GitHub allows you to meet other outstanding coders.

The saying “*you are the average of the 5 people you hang out the most with*” rings very true here. 

If you spend time with people who are better than you at coding, you will just get sooo much better than if you learn by yourself. 🚀

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#**3. Become a true socialite** 💅

As a result of the above, a benefit of contributing to open source is that you can build a network of cool peeps! 

By working with other contributors and participating in open source communities, you can connect with people who share your interests and passion for tech. 

This can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and most certainly: **friendships**! 👯‍♀️

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#**4. Become the “trends” jedi master** 📈 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/y6e10vtzflyppa3iqgke.gif)

Contributing to open source can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. 

By following open source projects and participating in discussions, you will always be at the fore-front of emerging technologies, best practices and innovative solutions. 

This can help you stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the job market. 🌟

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#**5. You wanted to make impact? Here’s your chance..** 🙌

Finally, contributing to open source is just an outstanding way to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the world. 

In fact, I likely should have started with this point as so many people in the community are just **givers at heart.** 

This is why us “coders” are known to be both nerdy (that’s for sure 🤪) but also good people. 

We want to help improve software and technology that is used by millions of people around the world. 

This is just very rewarding so if you are lacking some sense of purpose in your day-to-day, open source may be what you waited for your whole life (I know I’m being a tad bit dramatic 🤓). 

One last reason I forgot to mention and which could ring true for some people: 

You should contribute to open source because it feels pretty dope to say at a dinner table “***I’m an open source coder 💅***”. 

(alright enough with the ego strokes 🤪).

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All in all, contributing to open source is where you want to be because:

✅ You benefit the community 

✅ You hang around with great people

✅ You understand the industry

✅ You learn more than you breathe

✅ You feel good for giving back

✅ and you build cool sh*t! 

So why not get involved today and start making a difference? 🌟

If you're looking for a platform to discover projects aligned with your interests, language preference, and do it, whilst not spending a penny, visit **[quira.sh](https://quira.sh/?utm_source=devto&utm_campaign=benefits_open_source&utm_content=bottom_link)** 🫶. It's a great space to find free projects where you can contribute and make a difference!

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