Hacktoberfest - The Journey Recap
Published: 2023-10-29 22:21:05

## Introduction:

After Hacktoberfest comes to an end, a trail of challenges, lessons, and unexpected triumphs is left behind. The five blog posts I wrote encapsulated the essence of this annual celebration of open source. Let’s rewind and relive the adventure, one PR at a time.

## Chapter 1: First Steps into the Open Source World

My first contribution was a tentative step into real-world open source. Since I was uncertain, I chose a modest task, resolving to increase complexity over time. As a cautious starter, I contributed to the Learn-Git repository to grasp the basics and lay the groundwork for what was to come.

## Chapter 2: A Leap into Complexity - PR 2

With newfound confidence, I tackled my second challenge: integrating ESLint into a Todo List project. Taking on the intricacies of project configuration and automation was a big step. I demonstrated my evolving skills and determination to embrace challenges head-on by setting up ESLint, configuring it carefully, and implementing a GitHub Actions workflow.

## Chapter 3: Navigating Stormy Seas - PR 3

The third installment brought unexpected hurdles. Conflicts arose due to concurrent changes, leading to an inadvertent merge. Swift action was needed to revert and rectify the situation. As a result of this encounter with project dynamics, collaboration complexities, and the importance of communication, I gained profound insights into open-source teamwork.

## Chapter 4: Tackling the Tricky Parts - PR 4

So, for my fourth Hacktoberfest challenge, I decided to do something big. I picked a project called Agenta AI, which was pretty complicated. My job was to create a docker build and push workflow and update prod compose file. It sounded easy, but it wasn't. I faced problems, especially with something called Docker Compose. My attempt at PR 4 didn't go as planned. I couldn't finish it, and sadly, the owner closed it. Feeling the pressure as Hacktoberfest's deadline approached, I didn't give up. I tried my luck on other projects, raising issues and making more pull requests. I really wanted to get at least one accepted before the challenge ended on October 31st. This determination led me to PR 5. But before that, PR 4 was all about adding Prettier to a different project, even though it didn't work out in the end.

## Chapter 5: A Surprise Win - PR 5

As Hacktoberfest's final days were counting down, I didn't want to miss the chance to get at least one more contribution under my belt. So, I rolled up my sleeves and embarked on PR 5, determined to make it count. This time, I took on a challenge that would push my boundaries - setting up Jest and crafting detailed test cases for a complex script. It was a bit complex for me because I didn't have much exposure with typescript and yarn.

## Conclusion: What I Learned and What Comes Next

Hacktoberfest was a whirlwind adventure. I faced difficulties, learned countless lessons, and celebrated both big and small victories. Each pull request was a testament to my evolving skills, resilience, and dedication to the open-source community.

Now that this chapter is closing, I move forward, armed with a treasure chest of newfound knowledge. I look forward to more coding adventures, confident that open source is not just a community; it's a mindset and an ever-expanding journey of discovery and collaboration. Here's to more challenges, triumphs, and contributions in the lively world of open source!