Dive Into Open Source: A Beginner’s Guide

Open source refers to software that’s made available to the public for free, and the source code (the building blocks of the software) is open for anyone to view, modify, and distribute.

In simpler terms, it's a community-driven approach where developers from all over the world collaborate to improve software✨.

Why should you, as a student, get involved in open source?

• Learn by Doing: Contributing to open-source projects lets you gain real-world experience.

• Collaborate with Others: Open source is all about community. You’ll get to work with experienced developers from all over the world, learn from their feedback, and even help others along the way.

• Make a Real Impact: With open-source, your contributions matter. Whether it’s fixing bugs, adding features, or writing documentation, your work can help thousands (or even millions) of people who use that software.

• It’s Free and Accessible: Open-source projects are free to use, and anyone, no matter their background or location, can participate. You don’t need to wait for a formal job or internship to get hands-on experience in tech.

Some popular open-source events you must try:

1) Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
Google Summer of Code is an incredible opportunity for university students to contribute to open-source projects while earning a stipend.GSoC has connected students with open-source organizations where they can work on real projects, guided by mentors. It’s a paid program that gives you the chance to work with some of the best in the field, all while making a lasting impact.

Timeline: February to November

2) GirlScript Summer of Code (GSSoC)
GSSoC is a 3-month-long open-source program aimed at beginners, with a focus on diversity. Run by GirlScript Foundation, it’s a fantastic way to start your open-source journey with mentorship from experienced developers. Top contributors get exclusive goodies and career-boosting opportunities.

Timeline: Summer (Exact dates may vary)

3) Digital Ocean Hacktoberfest
Hacktoberfest is a global event hosted by Digital Ocean that encourages people to contribute to open-source projects. All you need to do is submit four pull requests, and you could earn a limited-edition t-shirt or even help plant a tree! The best part? There’s no selection process, making it perfect for beginners. It's a great opportunity to learn how to use Git and GitHub while contributing to real-world projects.

Timeline: Every October

You can particpate as a mentor/contributor. You will definitely get a lot to learn. I have participated in more tha 5 open-source events and it has been a great learning. If you are a begineer you can contribute codes in python/java/cpp or any language mentioned. Don’t worry even if you have just started coding, you contribute simple programs like hello-world,palindrome etc too. There are many good first issues as well. You would learn the art of essential Googling and understanding too along!!

Tip: Understand importand concepts such as configuring git, cloning a repo, forking,commiting to repo.

These terms will look very simple once you enter into open-source. You will use them so often that you will be able to automatically type without reffering any document. Also you could refer the official websites for more information.

Refer for better understanding :

https://www.youtube.com/live/tlJVWvzOnlw?si=6BcIoXuplbzIOex4

🥳 If you’re passionate about coding and want to grow as a developer, open source is one of the best places to start. It’s all about learning, contributing, and growing in a global community of developers. So why not dive in and make your mark?