My First Steps into Open Source with Outreachy

Three weeks ago, I stepped into the exciting world of open source as part of the Outreachy contribution period — and what a journey it's been! This is my first experience working on open source projects, and though I started off feeling quite anxious, the warmth and support of the community made all the difference.

During this period, I contributed to Wikimedia-related two projects:

1. MediaWiki - Customize Banner App

2. Addressing the New Lusophone Technological Task (Task 1 & Task 2)

MediaWiki - Customize Banner App

Developed as part of the Outreachy Application Contribution Period, this project provides a robust and user-friendly frontend web application for designing interactive banners. Leveraging modern web technologies, the app empowers users to create visually appealing and dynamic banners with ease.

Working on this app was both fun and educational. It gave me hands-on experience with frontend development, React, and modern UI/UX practices.

Addressing the New Lusophone Technological Task

This project involved two tasks.Both tasks helped me improve my skills in data handling, scripting, and debugging real-world issues.

A Supportive Community

What truly stood out during this contribution period was the incredible Wikimedia community. Everyone I interacted with — mentors, fellow applicants, and contributors — was kind, collaborative, and eager to help. The community forums were filled with helpful responses and encouragement.

Starting something new can be intimidating, and I was no exception. But with such a supportive environment, I slowly overcame my anxiety and began contributing confidently.

What I Learned

From understanding codebases to collaborating on forums, these few weeks have been packed with learning. I got to explore tools like React, Vitest, Python scripting, and community-driven development workflows — all while making meaningful contributions.

To anyone new to open source: start small, stay curious, and don't be afraid to ask for help. You'll be surprised how welcoming and empowering the journey can be.