Open Source Software Guide: What Is It and How to Contribute
Linux, React, VS Code, Python, WordPress, Docker — all open source. The world's biggest software projects are open source. So what is open source, and how can you contribute?
What Is Open Source?
Open source software is software whose source code is publicly available, can be inspected, modified, and distributed. It doesn't mean "free" — but it's usually free to use.
Open Source vs Closed Source
| Criteria | Open Source | Closed Source | |----------|-----------|--------------| | Source code | Public | Hidden | | Cost | Usually free | License fee | | Customization | Full | Limited | | Support | Community | Company | | Security | Community review | Internal team | | Example | Linux, React | Windows, Photoshop |
Popular Open Source Licenses
| License | Permission | Example | |---------|-----------|---------| | MIT | Most permissive, commercial OK | React, Next.js | | Apache 2.0 | Patent protection included | Kubernetes, TensorFlow | | GPL | Derivatives must also be open | Linux, WordPress | | BSD | Similar to MIT, flexible | PostgreSQL, FreeBSD | | AGPL | Must be open even for SaaS | MongoDB (old version) |
Why Contribute to Open Source?
For Your Career
- Portfolio — Your GitHub profile is your resume
- Experience — Real-world projects
- Network — Meet other developers
- Reference — Contributing to major projects is a strong reference
- Job hunting — Companies look at GitHub profiles
For the Community
- Improve tools you use
- Knowledge sharing
- Give and receive mentorship
- Join a global community
How to Contribute to Open Source
1. Getting Started
- Create a GitHub account
- Learn Git basics
- Find projects matching your interests
- Read README and CONTRIBUTING files
2. Types of Contributions (Not Just Code!)
- Bug reporting — File issues
- Documentation — README, wiki, guides
- Translation — Translate projects to your language
- Design — UI/UX improvements
- Code review — Review others' PRs
- Q and A — GitHub Issues, Stack Overflow
- Code — Bug fixes, new features
3. Tips for Your First Contribution
- Search for "good first issue" labeled issues
- Start small (typo fixes, documentation)
- Read community guidelines
- Discuss in the issue before opening a PR
- Be patient — review takes time
4. Pull Request (PR) Process
- Fork the project
- Create a branch
- Make changes
- Test
- Open PR
- Write description
- Apply feedback
Popular Open Source Projects
| Project | Area | Language | |---------|------|----------| | React | UI library | JavaScript | | Next.js | Web framework | TypeScript | | VS Code | Editor | TypeScript | | Linux | Operating system | C | | Python | Programming language | C/Python | | Docker | Containerization | Go | | Kubernetes | Orchestration | Go | | TensorFlow | AI/ML | Python/C++ |
Start Your Own Open Source Project
- Add an open license to your project (MIT recommended)
- Write a README.md (problem, installation, usage)
- Create a CONTRIBUTING.md
- Add issue templates
- Set up CI/CD
- Update regularly and respond to the community
Conclusion
Open source is the engine of the software world. Contributing adds tremendous value not just to the community, but to your career. Start with "good first issue" and contribute to world-class projects.
For open source project development or contributions, get in touch: info@cagribilgehan.com. Check out my projects: cagribilgehan.com