Beginner-friendly

Make your first open-source contribution on GitHub

First Contribution is a guided path for developers who want to contribute to open source for the first time. Learn the workflow, practice safely, and open your first pull request with confidence.

How it works

A simple, three-step path from zero to your first pull request.

Open the README.md

Go to file README.md and in the upper right corner of the file view, click the pencil icon to open the file editor.

Make your changes

Modify the content of the file. In the "First Time Contributors" section add a link to your GitHub account and a few words about yourself.

Commit the changes

Type a clear and concise commit message. Create a new branch and open a pull request.

Advantages

Key advantages of open-source and contributing to it

Skill development

Contributing to open-source helps you improve coding skills. Important

Community connection

You'll join a global network of developers, creating professional relationships and mentorship opportunities.

Portfolio building

Your public contributions serve as tangible proof of your abilities for potential employers or clients.

Career advancement

Companies actively seek candidates with open-source experience and visible contribution history.

Continuous learning

You'll stay updated with latest technologies and best practices.

Impact at scale

Your work can be used by thousands of organizations worldwide, creating meaningful technological impact.

FAQ

Answers to common questions about your first open-source contribution.

No. The tutorial covers the basics needed to complete your first contribution.

That`s expected! The tutorial is designed to be safe. You can always try again or ask for help.

Most first-time contributors finish in 5-10 minutes.

Yes. The project is open source and free to use.
Ready to make your first contribution?

Join thousands some of developers who launched their open-source journey with First Contribution.