Forem: Nabin Bhatt

Hacktoberfest 2023: A Beginner’s Journey into Open Source

Nabin Bhatt — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:01:15 +0000

TL;DR

It’s been an exciting month of open-source contributions, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.

I’m reflecting on all the amazing things I’ve learned and so excited to share my experience with you.

This was my second time participating in this amazing event, and it was incredible!

I learned so much, met some awesome people, and contributed to some cool projects.

Here's my GitHub account where you can see what I worked on: 👇

Nabin Bhatt (@nabinbhatt) - GitHub Profile

Start reading from:

TL;DR
Let's start
- Hacktoberfest 2022
- Hacktoberfest 2023
- HackSquad 2023
Challenges
Feedbacks
Conclusion
Comments

Let’s start

Hi everyone, I’m Nabin, a tech enthusiast (I like to keep it simple). I want to share with you my experience of hacktoberfest, a fun event where you can help open-source projects on platform like GitHub and get some cool rewards. 🎁

Hacktoberfest 2022

"I love open source, but I didn't know how to start or what to do". I was scared of messing up the code and doing something wrong. But in 2022, I took a chance and joined Hacktoberfest. I learned about open-source, how-to use git, etc. from YouTube videos, blog posts and tried to make four pull requests in October. And I am so glad that I did it again this year. 🚀

Hacktoberfest 2023

I got some cool badges and reward kit for completing Hacktoberfest from its partners including @mlhacks @amplicationdev @thepracticaldev and featured on the Hacktoberfest 2023: Hall of Fame These are the badges I got from hacktoberfest and its sponsors this year:

I was sad to hear that Hacktoberfest is no longer giving out t-shirts, but then I learn that they are planting trees in the name of contributors. I am proud to have made four pull requests and planted a tree through my participation in Hacktoberfest. 😊

HackSquad

I joined hacksquad this year, which is a community event that runs alongside Hacktoberfest, where you work with a team and contribute to open-source projects together. I wrote more about hacksquad in my previous post, you can check it out here: HackSquad: Your Open Source Squad For Hacktoberfest - DEV Community

I loved hacksquad because I met awesome people and we contributed to open-source projects together. Kudos to my team members @biplobsd @shelar1423 @kritik-j @siren Just wanted to thank all of you for the amazing Hacksquad experience, you guys rock!

We are in the top ten on the leaderboard right now as I am writing this. We learned a lot from each other and had a lot of fun along the way. 😃

It was a great experience to be part of a community that cares about open source. You can learn more about HackSquad here: hacksquad.dev

If you’re new to the Open-Source and want to learn about its benefits and want to get involved, you can check my recent post here: 👇

OSS: A Guide to Its Benefits and How to Get Started

Nabin Bhatt ・ Oct 20 '23

#beginners #opensource #hacktoberfest #hacktoberfest23

Challenges

…that I faced and how you can overcome them 😉

Contributing to open source is fun and hard at the same time. You can learn a lot from it, no matter if you are new or pro. Sometimes you will face problems, here are some of the common challenges that I faced and how you can avoid them:

Finding suitable projects to contribute to: It was really a daunting task when I first participated in Hacktoberfest last year, I was completely new to the open-source world. I was wondering where to start, what kind of projects are looking for contributors, and how to find issues that match my skill level and interest.

A good way to start is by browsing the Hacktoberfest website, where you can find a list of featured projects and topics. You can also find projects on websites like, firstissue.dev or https://up-for-grabs.net/ You can also use filters on GitHub to narrow down your search by language, label, or difficulty. Another open is to look for projects that you use or like and see if they have any open issues or feature requests that you can work on. You can also ask for recommendations from other developers on social-media or online communities like Discord.
Understanding the codebase and the project structure: One of the most daunting tasks for me when I participated in Hacktoberfest for the first time was to get familiar with the codebase and project structure. It was so overwhelming to navigate through the big amount of code, files, and folders. This can be more challenging thing especially if the project is too large, complex, or poorly documented.

A good way to start is by reading the README file, the CONTRIBUTING guide, and the CODE_OF_CONDUCT document, if available. These files contain the important information about the project ‘s purpose, goals, features, dependencies, installation, usage, testing and contribution guidelines. Another tip is to use IDEs or code editors that can help you navigate through the codebase easily, highlight syntax errors, autocomplete code snippets, and provide code formatting and refactoring options.
Setting up the development environment and installing dependencies: Before I could dive into coding, I had to set up my development environment and install all the dependencies for the project I chose. That was not easy because the project used a library I had never used before. I ran into some errors and issues while trying to install and run the project locally. 😅

To avoid this, read all the installation instructions provided in the project’s docs or README file. Use virtual environments, so that can help you isolate and manage your dependencies better. Ask for help if you get stuck or encounter any problems. You can reach out to the project’s maintainers, or other contributors for support and guidance in online communities.
Creating meaningful and descriptive commit messages and PRs: After you write your code, test and debug, you need to commit it to your forked repository and create a pull request to the original repository. This can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with git, like me last year.

You can follow the project's commit message and pull request guidelines, if available. Another tip is to reference the issue number or link that your contribution is related to, so that you can link your pull request to the issue and track its progress.
Dealing with merge conflicts and code reviews: After creating your pull request, you need to wait for the project's maintainers and reviewers to review it and provide feedback or suggestions.

Always be patient, respectful, and open-minded. You can use git rebase or merge that can help you resolve merge conflicts and update your pull request with the latest changes from the original repository.

Here is your step-by-step guide on how you can contribute to open source: 👇

How to Contribute to Open Source: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nabin Bhatt ・ Oct 9 '23

#opensource #beginners #hacktoberfest #bash

Feedback

Here are some of the tips I would like to give to anyone participating in this event and want to contribute to the open-source software:

Choose projects that interests you and match your skill level
Read the contribution guidelines and code of conduct carefully
Communicate with others via online communities (eg. Discord, Slack, etc)
Have fun and enjoy the learning experience 😉

Conclusion

I had a great time during Hacktoberfest, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get involved in open source. 🙌

It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an expert, there is something for everyone. You just need to be interested, ready to learn, and open to collaboration. You will not regret it!

Thank you for reading till the end. I hope you had a great day.
You can find me on Twitter at @thenabinbhatt 👋

Have you participated in Hacktoberfest this year or before?

How was your experience? Comment your thoughts below. 👇

OSS: A Guide to Its Benefits and How to Get Started

Nabin Bhatt — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:59:53 +0000

Open-Source Software (OSS) is a fundamental part in in this vast realm of technology. It's used by not just tech geeks but by everyone, including you, who interacts with the digital world from individuals to businesses to governments.

What is Open-Source Software?
Open-Source Software is distributed with its source code, meaning that anyone can view, modify, and redistribute it. This makes open-source software transparent, collaborative, and accessible to everyone.

To learn more about how to contribute to open source on GitHub, please read my other blog post: How to Contribute to Open Source: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Benefits of Open-Source Software:

Cost-effectiveness:
Open-source software won't burn a hole in your pocket. It's free to use, which can save you a significant amount of money on software licensing fees.
Flexibility and customization:
Need to tweak something? Go ahead! With access to the source code, you can customize the software to suit your specific needs.
Security and reliability:
Open-source software is often more secure and reliable than proprietary software. This is because the source code is constantly being reviewed and updated by a global community of developers. It's a proactive approach to keeping your digital world safe.
Continuous improvement:
Open-source software is a living entity that evolves with the times. Regular updates and improvements ensure that you're not stuck with outdated technology. It's a journey of continuous enhancement.

How Can You Contribute?

Use open-source software:
One of the best ways to contribute to open source is to simply use it. This helps to support the development and maintenance of open-source projects.
Reporting bugs:
If you find a bug in OSS, you can report it to the developers. This helps to improve the quality and reliability of the software.
Join the Community:
Become part of the open-source community. Engage in discussions, contribute to projects, learn new things, meet other developers, and make a real impact on the open-source community.

One of the most popular platforms for open source development is GitHub. If you are willing to contribute to open source on GitHub, have a look at a blog I wrote. You can find it here: How to Contribute to Open Source: A Step-by-Step Guide

Conclusion:

By understanding its benefits and contributing to open-source community, we not only enhance our digital experiences but contribute to a global movement that values transparency, collaboration, and innovation. So, let's celebrate the magic of open source and spread the word about it!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider liking 💖
You can find me on Twitter / X at @thenabinbhatt.

What is your favorite open-source software project? Why?
Share your thoughts in the comment below 👇

How to Contribute to Open Source: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nabin Bhatt — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:57:33 +0000

Hacktoberfest is an annual event where individual contributors come together to contribute to open source projects by adding new features, fixing bugs, improving documentation, etc.

You can earn cool swag or digital goodies as a reward, you typically need to make a certain number of contributions to any open source projects on platforms like GitHub during the month of October.

It's a chance to grow your skills, connect with others in the coding community, and have fun along the way!

Before we start, make sure you have;

Registered on github.com and hacktoberfest

🙌 Here's a step-by-step guide to contributing to open source:

Step 1: Choose a Project

Before you start, find an open source projects that interests you. It could be a tool you use, or something related to your field of expertise. GitHub is a popular platform for hosting open source projects, click here to search for projects that accepts contributions for hacktoberfest!

Step 2: Fork the Repository

On the project's GitHub page, click the "Fork" button in the top right corner. This creates a copy of the project in your GitHub account. Now you have to clone your forked repository to your local machine by entering the command below:

git clone https://github.com/your-username/project.git

Remember to change the project name and your-username in to above command. Then navigate to the project directory:

cd project

Step 3: Create a Branch

Create a new branch to make your changes. This helps keep your changes isolated from the main project. To create a new branch, enter the following command:

git checkout -b your-feature-branch

Step 4: Make Changes

Now, its time to make the changes you want to contribute. Maybe you want to add a new feature, fix a bug, or improve documentation.

Step 5: Commit Changes

Commit your changes to the branch you created in Step 3. Use the following commands:

# Add changes to the staging area
git add .

# Commit changes with a descriptive message
git commit -m "Description of your changes"

If you are making multiple changes, you can repeat this step as many times as you want.

Step 6: Push Changes

Push your changes to your GitHub repository by entering the following command.

git push origin your-feature-branch

This will transfer your commit(s) from local repository to remote repository (your GitHub account).

Step 7: Create a Pull Request (PR)

Go to your GitHub repository and click on the "Compare & pull request" button. Compare the changes and submit the PR (click on "Create pull request" button). Remember to write a title and description for your PR.

Step 8: Respond to Feedback

After you create a pull request, you can ask a specific person (maintainer) to review your proposed changes and be prepared to receive feedback on your pull request. Make necessary changes based on feedback until your contribution is accepted.

Step 9: Keep Your Fork Updated

Keep your forked repository updated with the changes from the original project. You can enter following commands in your terminal to do so:

# Add the original project as a remote
git remote add upstream https://github.com/original-project/project.git

# Fetch changes from the original project
git fetch upstream

# Merge changes into your branch
git merge upstream/main

Once your contribution is merged, celebrate your success! You've officially contributed to open source. Remember that contributing to open source is a learning process, and it's okay to ask for help or clarification.

Each project has its own rules, so be sure to read and follow the project's contribution guidelines (you can find in the project's repository).

Happy Hacking! 🚀✨

HackSquad: Your Open Source Squad For Hacktoberfest

Nabin Bhatt — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:05:43 +0000

Hacktoberfest is the world's largest open source contribution event, and Hacksquad is your chance to level up your open source skills and have fun with other developers. 🧑‍💻

Hacksquad is a community event that runs alongside Hacktoberfest, encouraging people to contribute to open source projects as part of a team.

You can create your own squad or get assigned to a random one. Each squad competes to submit the most approved pull requests (PRs) during the month of October.

🙌 Here are just a few reasons why you should join Hacksquad:

Learn from and collaborate with other developers
Hacksquad squads provide a great way to meet other developers and learn from their experiences. You'll be surrounded by people who are passionate about open source and are eager to help you succeed.
Contribute and make a real impact on open source projects
Hacksquad squads focus on contributing to specific open source projects, so you'll be able to make a real difference in the open source community.
Participate in different workshops/events
Hacksquad squads up for an exciting month of learning and collaboration during Hacktoberfest! You'll have the opportunity to learn new things from variety of workshops which will help you improve your skills.
Have fun and win swags 🥳
Hacksquad squads compete to submit the most approved PRs, so there's an added sense of excitement and competition. And by the end of the event, the top 60 squads will win awesome swag! there will be around ~300 winners!

So what are you waiting for?

Here's how to get started:

Register to hacksquad.dev using your GitHub account.
Get assigned to a random squad or create your own.
Start contributing to open source projects!

It's that easy!

Don't delay any further!

JOIN HACKSQUAD NOW 🚀

PS: You can sign up for both hacktoberfest and hacksquad.

Managing Multiple GitHub Accounts

Nabin Bhatt — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:10:20 +0000

Step 1: Create SSH keys

Open PowerShell on your local machine.
Run the following command to generate a new SSH key for your first GitHub account:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"

Follow the prompts to specify a file location for the SSH key and set a passphrase (optional).

Step 2: Add SSH keys to the SSH agent

Start the SSH agent by running the following command in PowerShell:

Start-Service ssh-agent

Add the private SSH key to the agent by running the following command, replacing <private_key_path> with the path to your private SSH key:

ssh-add <private_key_path>

Step 3: Add the public key to your GitHub account

Copy the contents of the public key file by running the following command in PowerShell:

Get-Content "<public_key_path>"

Go to your GitHub account settings in your web browser and navigate to "SSH and GPG keys".
Click on "New SSH key" and paste the copied public key into the "Key" field.
Give the SSH key a descriptive title and click on "Add SSH key" to add it to your GitHub account.

Step 4: Modify the SSH config file

In PowerShell, run the following command to create a new SSH config file or open an existing one:

notepad $env:USERPROFILE\\.ssh\\config

In the text editor, add the following lines, replacing <alias> with an alias of your choice, and <github_username> with your first GitHub account's username:

Host <alias>
  HostName github.com
  User <github_username>
  IdentityFile <private_key_path>

Save and close the config file.

Step 5: Fork & clone repos

In PowerShell, navigate to the directory where you want to clone a repository.
Run the following command to clone a repository from your first GitHub account, replacing <alias> with the alias you set in the config file, and <repo_url> with the URL of the repository you want to clone:

git clone git@<alias>:<github_username>/<repo_url>.git

You may be prompted to enter the passphrase for your SSH key if you set one during the key generation process.

That's it! You can now work with multiple GitHub accounts using SSH keys and PowerShell. Remember to repeat these steps for each additional GitHub account you want to work with, using a different alias, SSH key, and GitHub username for each account.

New Year Countdown Using JavaScript

Nabin Bhatt — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 12:22:57 +0000

This code will create a countdown timer that displays the number of days, hours, minutes, and seconds remaining until the new year.

#30DaysOfCode - Day 3 - Cards and Tabs

Nabin Bhatt — Fri, 13 May 2022 15:49:56 +0000

#30DaysOfCode - Day 2 - Testimonials

Nabin Bhatt — Thu, 12 May 2022 18:54:45 +0000

#30DaysOfCode - Day1 - Authors and Avatars

Nabin Bhatt — Thu, 12 May 2022 10:50:38 +0000

#30DaysOfCode - Day0 - Buttons and Icons

Nabin Bhatt — Tue, 10 May 2022 03:08:54 +0000

How to Make a Responsive Navbar Using HTML and CSS

Nabin Bhatt — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 09:45:00 +0000

Learn how to make responsive top navigation menu with plain HTML and CSS.

Create A Responsive Top Nav

Step 1) Add HTML:

See the Pen Responsive Navbar Design by Nabin Bhatt (@nabinbhatt) on CodePen.