Zero to Hero: Get started with Open Source Projects
Tags: opensource, beginners, tutorial, programming
Published: 2021-05-16 04:40:10

I had been super interested in contributing to **Open Source Projects** for a long time but didn't have any idea on how to get started. This article is for anyone who wants to get into **Open Source Projects** development but feels overwhelmed on how to start.

# Prerequisite

You will need basic knowledge of `git` to follow along with this article. We will be focusing on **Open Source Projects** on **GitHub**, but the same skillset is transferable to any other `git` based site like **GitLab**.

# Getting Started

1. The first thing to do is _Fork_ the repository you want to contribute to:

    ![Github Fork](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xrh8x832a2ylzeoh9j3j.png)

    Now you have a copy of the repository in your **GitHub** account.

2. Copy the `clone` link:

    ![GitHub Clone Link](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pfhhkuajgl918t1cqy35.png)

3. Execute the command:

    ```

      git clone <clone link>

    ```

4. A copy of the repository will be created on your machine. Add _Upstream_ remote, which is just a fancy name for the source repository, using:

    ```

      git remote add <upstream remote name> <source repository clone link>

    ```

5. Now you can modify the code. Make sure to commit all the changes you make.
6. After committing changes, you can update the source repository using:
    ```

      git push origin <branch name to push changes>

    ```
7. Now you can create a _Pull Request_ in the source repository and the maintainers would review and merge your code.

# How to overcome the fear of starting?

Now that you know how to contribute to **Open Source Projects**, you might just want to jump right in and contribute to the largest projects on the planet. But I can assure you when you are about to open your first few _Pull Request_, **Imposter Syndrome** will hit you real hard with questions like _"Would I be able to do this correctly?"_ and _"What if I fail?"_. The only antidote to this fear is **ACTION**! If you are feeling unsure, contact the members of the organisation you want to contribute to, as most organisations use some platform like **Discord** to discuss about the contributions. One year ago I was exactly in your shoes, and now I do have a couple of contributions in some amazing repositories:

![Git Contribution](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6gltqercd4zewsvofb85.PNG)

If you start on this journey and keep putting one foot in front of the other even when challenges and difficulties show up, you will make it! Best of Luck :)

![You Got This](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3bzs4akyew80oy0r8f2j.jpg)

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# Thanks for reading

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