I work full time as a software engineer and don't do open source to pay the bills, but I recently contributed to Firebase Genkit because I wanted to help the project solve a problem that was bugging me.
It's a story many developers can relate to – that nagging feeling when a tool you rely on consistently trips you up. But instead of grumbling and moving on, I decided to take the leap and do something about it.
Contrary to what you might think, contribute to open source is really easy.
Open source is a collaborative ecosystem where users are not just consumers, but potential contributors, creators, and problem solvers.
The beauty of open source is that it empowers people to take ownership and shape the tools they use every day. Instead of resigning myself to the annoyance, I remembered the core principle of open source: if you can fix it, fix it!
How to start
This is the first important lesson for anyone considering contributing to open source: start with the issues.
Browsing the issues section is a fantastic way to identify areas where you can contribute.
Look for issues labeled "good first issue" or "help wanted," as these are often specifically tagged for newcomers.
Issue identified: setup the project
You have to download the project, install the dependencies and if there are tests it's a good practice to run them to verify if everything is working correctly.
Clear documentation, well-defined contribution guidelines, and a supportive community are all essential for attracting and retaining contributors.
This is another key aspect of successful open source projects: making it easy to contribute.
My experience with Genkit's setup process underscores this point. I was able to get the project running locally without any major hiccups, allowing me to quickly start digging into the code.
Tackling the bug: a learn by doing process
Once you have run the code locally, you can finally fix the bug. You need to spend time analyzing the relevant sections of code, debugging, and experimenting with possible solutions.
This process, while challenging, is also incredibly rewarding.
You can learn about the inner workings of the project, understand the design decisions that were made, and improve your experience by learning new things.
Prepare the pull request
After identifying and implementing a fix, you have to prepare a pull request (PR). A pull request is essentially a proposal to merge your changes into the main codebase.
It's a crucial step in the open source contribution process, as it allows project maintainers to review your code, provide feedback, and ensure that your changes align with the project's goals and standards.
Submitting the PR felt like a significant accomplishment. It's the culmination of your efforts, and a tangible contribution to a project you are actively using.
Review
The next step is to wait for the maintainers to review your code. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for first-time contributors. You're putting your work out there for scrutiny, and it's natural to feel a bit apprehensive.
But remember that it's the code that's being judged, not you as a person. You're fabulous just the way you are, don't be afraid.
However, the review process is an invaluable part of the open source experience. It's a chance to learn from experienced developers, receive constructive feedback, and refine your skills.
This collaborative aspect of open source is one of its greatest strengths. You're not just contributing code; you're engaging in a conversation, learning from others, and contributing to a shared goal. The review process ensures that the codebase remains high-quality and consistent, and it also helps to foster a sense of community and shared ownership.
Merging the PR
The final step in the process is merging your changes into the main codebase. Seeing your code included in the project is an incredibly satisfying experience. It is a feeling of accomplishment and validation, knowing that you have made a tangible contribution to something larger than your side project.
“Leave the campground cleaner than you found it.”
This simple mantra encapsulates the spirit of open source contribution: strive to leave the project in a better state than you found it. This might involve fixing problems, adding new features, improving documentation, or simply refactoring code to make it more readable and maintainable.
It's about proactively making the project better for everyone.
So, if you're looking for a way to expand your skills, contribute to a meaningful project, and become part of a vibrant community, I encourage you to explore the world of open source. You might be surprised at how easy it is to get started, and how rewarding the experience can be.
You can follow me on GitHub, where I'm creating cool projects.
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Top comments (6)
tbh nothing beats actually jumping in and fixing stuff yourself - makes me wonder tho, you ever just let a bug annoy you instead of fixing it, or does something actually flip the switch for you?
Thanks for the great question. Obviously it is not possible for me to fix all the bugs I encounter because maybe the learning curve is too complex or I simply do not have the time to dedicate. I do open source for free and therefore the priority is always at work.
I really relate to fixing that one bug that keeps bugging you! What was the toughest part for you after setting up Genkit locally?
Actually with Genkit everything went smoothly, installed the dependencies and ran a build on the first try. Usually running the initial setup and then reproducing the error locally (to debug it) are the most complex things to tackle.
How was your experience with Open Source contributions?
pretty cool seeing you just fix something that bothered you and not let it go - always make me think, you think the people who keep showing up to fix stuff end up learning the most long-term?
I really think so, in fact at work we have the opportunity to see a way of doing things. Being open and comparing yourself with other projects makes your skills grow quickly.
it's like this for all jobs, If you think of a chef who only cooks first courses, he will learn that very well, but if he started to understand how to make second courses he would be more complete.