GitHub open source projects you can contribute to for Hacktoberfest
Tags: github, hacktoberfest, opensource
Published: 2021-10-21 09:40:04

There's less than 10 days until Hacktoberfest finishes. If you're still looking for projects to contribute to, look no further than GitHub's own open source projects :eyes:

There are three main open source GitHub projects you can contribute to, which count towards Hacktoberfest. They are the GitHub Docs, GitHub CLI, and GitHub Hackathons. Let's take a look.

## GitHub Docs

Yes, you heard that correctly. The [GitHub Docs](https://docs.github.com/en) are open source!

{% github github/docs %}

Open source isn't all about coding. here's lots of ways you can contribute to open source without writing lines of code. Documentation is one of those ways to contribute.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1qejcusz8nrkkh8qbitd.JPG)

The GitHub Docs repo contains all the documentation relating to GitHub's products and features. We [open sourced our docs last year](https://github.blog/2020-10-07-github-docs-are-now-open-source/) as a way for developers to shape the documentation they use everyday.

If you're reading the docs, and you notice something you'd like to change or improve, you can do so. Fork the repo, and [head to the the folder with all our documentation](https://github.com/github/docs/tree/main/content). From here, make your changes and submit your PRs.

### Other ways to contribute to docs

Remember, whilst open source isn't all about writing lines of code, it doesn't have to be about writing documentation either. If writing documentation isn't your thing, you can still be involved in shaping the GitHub docs.

[Jump over to the Discussions](https://github.com/github/docs/discussions) and engage with the community. You can make suggestions, provide feedback, or just be part of the conversation.

You can also [open an issue](https://github.com/github/docs/issues/new/choose) if you'd like to report anything, contact our support team, or be a project owner. Good documentation needs good feedback and collaboration too!

## GitHub CLI

If coding is your jam, then maybe you'd like to contribute to the [GitHub CLI](https://cli.github.com/).

{% github cli/cli %}

The GitHub CLI brings GitHub to your command line. It includes issues, PRs, repo management, and more. If you see bugs that need fixing, you've suggested a feature that's been approved, or you want to update documentation, jump in and create your PRs! You can also be part of the community by opening an issue to report bugs, suggest features, or proposes changes.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ryb2o60h2nub9fffml91.gif) 

Now with CLI version 2.0, there's the new extensions. You can practically create anything you like, or search [the multitude of extensions already created by the community](https://github.com/topics/gh-extension). This is a great opportunity to explore the CLI and contribute to the way developers interact with GitHub in the terminal.

## GitHub Hackathons

Hackathons are key events in the developer community. Whether it's online like Hacktoberfest, or IRL (when we're allowed to), hackathons help drive the ecosystem. That's why we developed a repo with lots of information on how to run a hackathon. There's also tips, tricks, and resources for anyone looking to plan, organise, or execute a hackathon.

{% github github/hackathons %}

If you'd like to contribute resources, check out the [Resources page](https://github.com/github/hackathons/blob/main/Resources.md) and submit a PR. You can also get involved with the community by [engaging in the Discussions](https://github.com/github/hackathons/discussions), or opening an issue if you'd like to flag something with us.

Hackathon organisers who have events for Hacktoberfest might find this repo useful in producing your hack!

## Get involved in open source

Check out these open source GitHub projects and be part of the magic that brings developers together :crystal_ball: No matter which project you decide to contribute to, whether it's one of the three here or something else entirely, don't forget to read the contribution guidelines.

Happy hacking :jack_o_lantern: