All you need to know about Google Summer of Code GSoC 2023
Tags: webdev, javascript, react, beginners
Published: 2022-12-01 04:20:25

Just noticed that everyone was talking about Google Summer of Code these days. So I decided why not write a blog instead containing all the ifs, buts, whys, and hows on [Google Summer of Code 2023](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/).

So if you are a student who is wondering about getting into Google Summer of Code or someone who has many questions to ask regarding GSoC, hang on tight, **while this is going to be a lengthy one, I can guarantee you that this is going to be helpful.**

Let’s first get the info about this program:

## What is Google Summer of Code?

Google Summer of Code GSoC is a 16-Week by **Google **aimed at promoting [Open-Source Software Development](https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/open-source/what-is-open-source) among different universities and Colleges from all around the world. And the most amazing part is that you will be working with different Open-Source Organizations on a framework of your choice.

After enrolling in the program, You’ll get:

The **Ultimate Experience** of working on a real-world project with Open-Source Organizations.
Of course, a big money prize.
A chance to get mentorship by bestestt software developers from Top Companies like Facebook, Google etc.
A big tag of Google Solution Challenge GSoC will benefit you in your job hunting.
NOTE:
**Google Summer of Code is not…**
**A Paid Internship -** The Google Summer of Code programme is not an internship, and you are not working as an intern at Google.
Simply said, Google is giving you and the Open Source Organizations a workspace.

**A direct entry into Google** - GSoC does not give you a direct entry into Google, despite the fact that you receive a referral to apply for any opening in Google.
It just provides you a competitive advantage over the competitors; you still have to go through all the interview stages.

**A trend that you have to be a part of** - I’ve seen people accomplish great things without participating in GSoC, and vice versa, therefore it would be absurd to prepare for and apply to GSoC just because every other Tom, Dick, and Harry are.
Students, particularly those from pakistan, need to get the program’s essence and deeper meaning. Only enroll in it if you sincerely identify with it and are prepared to continue even after the programme is over and you are not being paid for it.



## When does Google Summer of Code happen?

The application procedure technically begins sometime in March, however the organizations that have been chosen are announced somewhere in the first week of February.
Students can then begin researching the chosen organisations and shortlisting the projects that interest them.

## How do I get into Google Summer of Code?

To increase your chances, you must master each and every phase of the multi-step process of applying to GSoC, which takes place between February and April.
I’ll list the key steps below:

**1. Start early!**
Because GSoC isn’t a one-step process, you should get started as soon as possible, which means shortlisting the organisations and projects that interest you and starting contributing to them as soon as they are announced by Google.
However, some students begin in November/December. Instead of waiting for new organisations to be announced, they shortlist a few that have been chosen on a consistent basis for several years.
While this is risky, if done correctly and carefully, it can give you an advantage over others, because the number of contributions and interactions you’ve had with the organisation is heavily weighted when applying for GSoC under that organisation.

P.S. If you must work with one, make the most of it.

**2. Contribute**
This is most likely the most important stage of GSoC.
Once you’ve narrowed your list down, you must focus on contributing as much as possible to the organization(s) you’ve chosen.

**Pro Tip:** Choosing more than three organisations will only hurt your chances because you won’t be able to focus properly on any of them.

**What does a contribution mean?**

Contributions might range from correcting/reporting a project bug to adding a new feature to creating documentation for installing and using the project.
Although each of them carries a different weight, fixing a bug or adding a new feature typically carries more weight than simply reporting a bug or creating documentation.
But it’s a good idea to begin by documenting problems and filing paperwork if you’re just starting off with a project.

**3. A good proposal will help you hit it home**

A proposal is a document that you present to the organization(s) you choose in the step above and details how you intend to improve or expand the project during the course of the program’s 16-week coding phase.

Make sure to put extra effort into making your proposal as clear and insightful as possible because it will be the secret to assuring your selection.

P.S. : Each project should have its own proposal; do not submit the same proposal to several projects or organisations.

**4. Repeat**
Don’t just sit around after submitting your proposal.
From the day you submit the request to the day the chosen students are revealed, you have a window of one month.
Utilize this possibility to your fullest potential to increase your contribution and increase your prospects.

P.S. Another potential way you may help is by publicly interacting with the organization’s members and sharing your thoughts on planned features and releases.
Generally, an organization’s contact information can be found on its page on the GSoC website.

## Tips for a smoother ride

This section will include a few general pointers, traps, and dos and don’ts that you can use to increase your chances of being chosen.

If you need assistance, don’t ping (direct message) everyone in the company; instead, submit your request in the public channel to get a prompt response.
Look before you post!

No unhealthy competition
That includes avoiding from doing unfair work, interrupting others to fix problems that are not your responsibility, copying code without giving due credit, etc.
No matter how many contributions you have, there’s a good chance the org admins will catch you doing this and you won’t get in.
Don’t be a d!ck
I suppose this may be applied to many aspects of life.

Bonus! Open Source programs other than GSoC
As was previously mentioned, Google Summer of Code is not the only open source initiative available. Even if it’s the most well-known and reputable, there are many others in which you can still take part.

1. HacktoberFest
2. Seasons of Code
3. Code Heat
4. Winter Security
5. I guess that’s it!
Please feel free to leave any additional questions in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to respond if they weren’t addressed in the blog article above.

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