How to Contribute to Open-Source Projects – Git & GitHub Workflow for Beginners?

[dhyaneshsiddhartha15]

Step 1: Set Up Git and GitHub

_Install Git: Download and install Git from git-scm.com.
Create a GitHub account: Go to github.com and sign up for an account.

Step 2: Configure Git_

Set your username: Open Git Bash (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and set your username using git config --global user.name "Your Name".
Set your email address: Set your email address using git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com".

Step 3: Fork a Repository

Find a project you want to contribute to on GitHub.
Click on the "Fork" button in the top right corner of the repository's page to create a copy (fork) of the repository to your GitHub account.

Step 4: Clone the Repository

Clone your forked repository to your local machine using git clone https://github.com/your-username/repository.git.
Navigate to the cloned repository using cd repository.

Step 5: Set Up Remote

Add the original repository as a remote named "upstream" using git remote add upstream https://github.com/original-owner/repository.git.

Step 6: Create a Branch

Create a new branch for your work using git checkout -b your-branch-name.
Make your changes to the code in your branch.

Step 7: Commit Changes

Stage your changes using git add . (for all changes) or git add filename (for specific files).
Commit your changes using git commit -m "Your commit message".

Step 8: Push Changes

Push your branch to your fork on GitHub using git push origin your-branch-name.

Step 9: Create a Pull Request (PR)

Go to your fork on GitHub and you should see a prompt to create a PR for your recently pushed branch.
Click on "Compare & pull request" to open a new PR.
P_rovide a title and description for your PR, and click on "Create pull request"._

Step 10: Review and Merge

Wait for the project maintainers to review your PR. They may ask for changes or provide feedback.
Once your PR is approved, it will be merged into the original repository.

Step 11: Sync Your Fork (Optional)

To keep your fork up to date with the original repository, fetch the changes from the upstream repository using git fetch upstream.
Merge the changes into your local branch using git merge upstream/main (assuming the main branch is used) or git rebase upstream/main.
Push the merged changes to your fork using git push origin main.
That's a basic workflow for contributing to open-source projects using Git and GitHub. Remember to always follow the project's contribution guidelines and be respectful of the community.

[nisargaa20]

First step is to learn Git and GitHub.
Then pick a project of the tech stack in which you are familiar with.
What we will do after the projects gets posted, here are the steps for contributing:
1.We fork the repo (creates copy in our profile)
2.Git clone
3.Setting up the project in local environment
4.Comment on the issue in which you want to work, wait for the issue to be assigned.
(Remember that the issues are assigned on First come first serve basis).
5. After issue gets assigned, start working on the issue, make changes.
6. Create a new branch to work on the issue.
7.After solving we commit those changes we made.
8.We push the changes.
9.Making a corresponding pull request.

[Dynamic-Aryan]

It's very easy ,,just learn GITHUB,, if you are contributing in someone's project ,,fork that repo ,,then clone it ,,then mark your changes in that code ,,,then simple ,write the git commands like
git status,
git add -A ,
git status,
git commit -m "anything you can write " ,
git checkout -b "branch name" ,
git push origin "branch name"
your PR raised
simple ,,,done Congratulations ,,you are done with your first commit✨

[vishalmanve]

First you should know about git and github you need to explore and learn it .
Then pick a project of the tech stack in which you are familiar with.
What we will do after the projects gets posted, here are the steps for contributing:
1.We fork the repo (creates copy in our profile)
2.Git clone
3.Setting up the project in local environment
4.Comment on the issue in which you want to work, wait for the issue to be assigned.
(Remember that the issues are assigned on First come first serve basis).
5. After issue gets assigned, start working on the issue, make changes.
6. Create a new branch to work on the issue.
7.After solving we commit those changes we made.
8.We push the changes.
9.Making a corresponding pull request

[IP80808080]

🌟 How to Contribute to GSSoC Projects: A Step-by-Step Guide 🌟

A: Choosing Projects

1️⃣ 🌐Visit the GSSoC Website: Head to the official GSSoC website and navigate to the projects section. Here

2️⃣ 📂Find Your Match

3️⃣ 🔎Get Project Details: Click on the project to view its details, including a video overview and the GitHub repository link.

🚀B: Getting Started with Contribution

🛠️B1: Setting Up The Project

1️⃣ 🍴Fork It: Fork the project to create your own copy.

2️⃣ 💻Clone Locally: Open Git Bash in your desired folder and clone your forked copy.

$ git clone https://github.com/<your-account-username>/<your-forked-project>.git

3️⃣ 📂Navigate: Move into the project folder.

$ cd <your-forked-project-folder>

4️⃣ 🔗Add Upstream: Link to the original repository.

$ git remote add upstream https://github.com/<author-account-username>/<original-project>.git

5️⃣ 👀Check Remotes: Verify the remote connections.

$ git remote -v

6️⃣ ⬇️Stay Updated: Keep your main branch in sync with the original repository.

$ git pull upstream main

🏗️B2: Contributing To The Project

1️⃣ 🌿Branch Out: Create a new branch with a meaningful name.

$ git checkout -b <your_branch_name>

2️⃣ ✍️Make Changes: Work your magic on the codebase.

3️⃣ 📁Track Changes: Add your modifications.

$ git add .

4️⃣ 🚚Commit: Commit your changes with a descriptive message.

$ git commit -m "<commit message>"

5️⃣ 🚀Push Changes: Push your changes to your forked repository.

$ git push -u origin <your_branch_name>

6️⃣ 🌐Create Pull Request: Head to GitHub, navigate to your forked repo, and initiate a pull request by clicking "Compare and pull request".

🚀 Contribute, and let's make a difference together in the open-source community! Happy coding! 🎉

For more details, check out the guide here.

[dev-rsiva]

This is the complete one to follow. Also, add little more instruction on "How to name the branch outs, what is meant by upstream, why"

[LunaNika]

Contributing to open-source projects can be a rewarding experience, and Git and GitHub are essential tools for collaboration in this domain:-

1. Choose a Project:

• Start by finding an open-source project that interests you. GitHub has a vast repository of projects across various domains. Look for projects tagged with "beginner-friendly" or "good first issue" labels.

2. Fork the Repository:

• On the project's GitHub page, click on the "Fork" button in the top-right corner. This creates a copy of the project under your GitHub account.

3. Clone the Repository:

• On your forked repository's page, click on the "Code" button and copy the repository's URL. Then, in your terminal or Git GUI tool, use the git clone command to download the repository to your local machine:

  git clone <repository_URL>
  

4. Create a Branch:

• Before making any changes, create a new branch to work on your feature or bug fix. Branch names should be descriptive of the changes you intend to make.

  git checkout -b <branch_name>
  

5. Make Changes:

• Now you can make changes to the codebase using your preferred text editor or IDE. Follow the project's contribution guidelines and coding standards.

6. Commit Changes:

• Once you've made your changes, stage them for commit using the git add command, then commit them with a descriptive message.

  git add .
  git commit -m "Brief description of changes"
  

7. Push Changes:

• Push your committed changes to your forked repository on GitHub.

  git push origin <branch_name>
  

8. Create a Pull Request (PR):

• Go to your forked repository on GitHub and switch to the branch you just pushed. Click on the "Compare & pull request" button next to the branch dropdown. Provide a descriptive title and details about the changes you've made in the pull request description.

9. Discuss and Review:

• Other contributors and maintainers will review your pull request. Be responsive to feedback and be prepared to make further changes if necessary.

10. Merge:

• Once your pull request is approved, a project maintainer will merge your changes into the main repository.

11. Sync Your Fork (Optional):

• To keep your forked repository up-to-date with the original project, you can periodically fetch changes from the upstream repository and merge them into your local and forked branches.

12. Celebrate and Repeat:

• Congratulations! You've successfully contributed to an open-source project. Celebrate your accomplishment and consider contributing to more projects in the future.

Remember, open-source contribution is not just about code; you can also contribute by improving documentation, reporting bugs, and engaging in community discussion..

[Siddhant-Mahato]

Thank You 😊

[Ojas-Arora]

Contributing to open-source projects through Git and GitHub can seem daunting at first, but once you understand the workflow, it becomes straightforward. Here's a beginner-friendly guide to get you started:

1. Choose a Project:

   • Find an open-source project that interests you. Look for projects that align with your skills, interests, and goals.

2. Fork the Repository:

• On GitHub, navigate to the project's repository.
• Click on the "Fork" button in the top-right corner. This creates a copy of the repository under your GitHub account.

3. Clone the Forked Repository:

   • Open a terminal on your computer.

   • Use the git clone command to clone your forked repository to your local machine:

     git clone https://github.com/your-username/repository-name.git

4. Set Up Remote:

   • Navigate to the cloned repository:
     cd repository-name
   • Add the original project repository as a remote:
     git remote add upstream https://github.com/original-owner/repository-name.git

5. Create a Branch:

   • Before making any changes, create a new branch to work on:
     git checkout -b my-feature

6. Make Changes:

• Make your desired changes to the code using your preferred code editor.

7. Commit Changes:

   • Stage your changes:
     git add .
   • Commit your changes:
     git commit -m "Description of changes"

8. Pull Latest Changes (Optional):

• If there have been changes in the original repository since you forked it, you should pull those changes into your fork:
  git pull upstream main

9. Push Changes:

   • Push your changes to your forked repository:
     git push origin my-feature

10. Create a Pull Request (PR):

• Go to your forked repository on GitHub.
• Click on the "Compare & pull request" button next to your branch name.
• Fill out the pull request template with details about your changes.
• Click on "Create pull request" to submit your changes for review.

11. Review and Iterate:

• Wait for the project maintainers to review your PR.
• Address any feedback or requested changes.
• Iterate on your changes based on the feedback until your PR is approved.

12. Celebrate and Repeat:

• Once your PR is merged, celebrate your contribution!
• Repeat this process for other contributions or projects.

Remember to follow the project's contribution guidelines and be respectful and patient during the review process. Happy contributing!

[NotHumanFF]

Hi there, I would suggest you to go through this pictorial representation that shows the process to contribute in GSSoC24 for beginners.

And to understand the Git?Github workflows follows these steps below.

1. Create a Feature Branch: Developers create a new branch from the main branch (often named "master" or "main") to work on a specific feature or fix.
2. Work on the Feature: Developers make changes to the code within their feature branch. They commit their changes locally, documenting each step of the development process.
3. Push Changes: Once the feature is complete or ready for review, developers push their feature branch to the central repository.
4. Pull Request (PR): A pull request is opened on the central repository, requesting to merge the changes from the feature branch into the main branch. This allows for code review and collaboration among team members.
5. Code Review: Other team members review the changes made in the pull request, providing feedback, suggestions, or approving the changes.
6. Merge: After the code review process, the changes are merged into the main branch. It's essential to resolve any conflicts that may arise during the merge process.
7. Deployment: Once merged, the changes can be deployed to production or tested further, depending on the project's workflow.

Additionally I suggest u to go learn from video tutorial on youtube for Git and Github. 🙂

[abhiperfect]

Few steps you can follow:

1. Setup Git & GitHub: Install Git and create a GitHub account. 🛠️
2. Find a Project: Explore projects on GitHub and fork one that interests you. 🔍
3. Clone Repository: git clone to download the forked repo to your machine. 📥
4. Create Branch: git checkout -b to create a new branch for your changes. 🌿
5. Make Changes: Use your code editor to modify the code. ✏️
6. Commit Changes: git add to stage changes and git commit to commit them. 💬
7. Push Changes: git push to push changes to your fork on GitHub. 🚀
8. Create Pull Request (PR): Open a PR on GitHub with your changes. 🔄
9. Review & Feedback: Address feedback from maintainers and make changes if needed. 🛠️
10. Merge PR: Once approved, your changes will be merged into the main branch. 🎉

Celebrate your contribution and consider contributing to more projects! 🎉

[aryanmehra0]

Contributing to open-source projects through Git and GitHub can seem daunting at first, but with a clear workflow, beginners can quickly get the hang of it. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Choose a Project
Select an open-source project that interests you and aligns with your skills. Look for projects that have active communities and clear contribution guidelines.

Step 2: Set Up Git and GitHub
If you haven't already, install Git on your local machine and set up a GitHub account. Follow the instructions on the Git and GitHub websites to configure your account and set up SSH keys for secure communication.

Step 3: Fork the Repository
On GitHub, navigate to the repository of the project you want to contribute to. Click the "Fork" button in the top-right corner to create a copy of the repository in your GitHub account.

Step 4: Clone the Forked Repository
Clone your forked repository to your local machine using the git clone command followed by the URL of your forked repository. This will create a local copy on your machine that you can work with.

bash
Copy code
git clone <repository_url>
Step 5: Create a Branch
Create a new branch for your contribution using the git checkout command. It's a good practice to name your branch descriptively, indicating the feature or fix you're working on.

bash
Copy code
git checkout -b <branch_name>
Step 6: Make Changes
Make the necessary changes to the codebase using your preferred code editor. Ensure that your changes adhere to the project's coding standards and guidelines.

Step 7: Commit Your Changes
Once you're satisfied with your changes, stage them for commit using the git add command, followed by the filenames or directories of the modified files. Then, commit your changes with a descriptive message using the git commit command.

bash
Copy code
git add .
git commit -m "Brief description of the changes"
Step 8: Push Changes to GitHub
Push your changes to your forked repository on GitHub using the git push command, specifying the branch you want to push.

bash
Copy code
git push origin <branch_name>
Step 9: Create a Pull Request
Navigate to your forked repository on GitHub and switch to the branch you just pushed. Click the "New Pull Request" button to create a pull request (PR). Provide a clear title and description for your PR, summarizing the changes you've made.

Step 10: Participate in Code Review
Be responsive to feedback from project maintainers and other contributors. Address any comments or suggestions on your PR by making additional commits to your branch.

Step 11: Merge Your Pull Request
Once your PR has been approved and any requested changes have been addressed, the project maintainers will merge your changes into the main project branch.

Step 12: Sync Your Fork
Periodically sync your forked repository with the original repository to incorporate any changes made to the main project branch since you forked it. This helps keep your fork up-to-date and reduces merge conflicts.

bash
Copy code
git remote add upstream <original_repository_url>
git fetch upstream
git checkout main
git merge upstream/main
git push origin main
By following these steps, you can effectively contribute to open-source projects using Git and GitHub, even as a beginner. Remember to be patient and persistent, and don't hesitate to ask for help or clarification when needed. Happy contributing!

[Muskansahuincredible]

IN SIMPLE WORDS::::::
JUST SEE THE VIDEO ON UTUBE AND READ THE INSTRUCTION WRITTEN BY ME
When contributing to open-source projects using Git and GitHub, here are the key steps to follow:

Set Up Git and GitHub:

Install Git from git-scm.com.
Create a GitHub account at github.com.
Configure Git:

Set up your username and email address using specific commands according to your operating system.
Fork a Repository:

Find a project on GitHub that you want to contribute to.
Click the "Fork" button to create a copy of the repository in your GitHub account.
Clone the Repository:

Use the git clone command to download your forked repository to your local machine.
Navigate to the cloned repository using the command-line interface (CLI).
Set Up Remote:

Add the original repository as a remote named "upstream" using the given command.
Create a Branch:

Make a new branch for your work using the specified command.
Implement your changes within your branch.
Commit Changes:

Stage and commit your changes using the provided git add and git commit commands.
Push Changes:

Push your branch to your fork on GitHub using the given command.
Create a Pull Request (PR):

Open a new PR on GitHub for your recently pushed branch, providing a title and description as required.
Review and Merge:

Await review and feedback from the project maintainers, and make any requested changes.
Once approved, your changes will be merged into the original repository.
Sync Your Fork (Optional):

Fetch and merge changes from the original repository to keep your fork up-to-date.
Push the merged changes to your fork.
Remember to respect the project's guidelines and community while contributing. Always communicate and seek guidance from project maintainers when needed.

[Annu1809]

Contributing to open-source projects, especially in programs like GSSoC (GirlScript Summer of Code), can be a rewarding experience. Here's a beginner-friendly Git and GitHub workflow to get you started:

Choose a Project: Start by finding an open-source project that interests you. Look for projects participating in programs like GSSoC or browse repositories on platforms like GitHub. Choose a project aligned with your interests and skill level.

Familiarize Yourself with the Project: Read the project's README file, contributing guidelines, and code of conduct. Understand the project's purpose, goals, and coding standards. This will help you get a sense of how contributions are managed.

Set Up Your Environment:

Install Git on your local machine if you haven't already.
Fork the repository of the project you want to contribute to. This creates a copy of the repository under your GitHub account.
Clone the forked repository to your local machine using Git. This will create a local copy of the project on your computer.
Create a Branch: Create a new branch for your contributions. This keeps your changes isolated from the main codebase and makes it easier to manage multiple contributions.

Make Changes: Make your desired changes to the codebase. This could include fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation. Write clean, readable code and follow the project's coding standards.

Test Your Changes: Before submitting your changes, test them thoroughly to ensure they work as expected. Run any tests provided by the project, and consider writing additional tests if necessary.

Commit Your Changes: Once you're satisfied with your changes, commit them to your local branch using Git. Write clear and descriptive commit messages that explain the purpose of each change.

Push Your Changes: Push your committed changes to your forked repository on GitHub using the git push command. This makes your changes available for review.

Create a Pull Request (PR): Go to the original repository on GitHub and create a pull request from your forked branch. Provide a descriptive title and description for your PR, explaining the changes you've made and why they're valuable.

Engage in Discussion: Be prepared to engage in discussion with the project maintainers and other contributors. They may provide feedback or request further changes to your PR. Stay open to constructive criticism and be willing to make adjustments.

Address Feedback: If feedback is provided, make the necessary changes to your code based on the feedback received. Commit and push the changes to your branch.

PR Review and Merge: Once your PR passes review and all discussions are resolved, a project maintainer will merge your changes into the main codebase. Congratulations, you've successfully contributed to an open-source project!

[aditi75432]

First try to understand the working of git and GitHub so that the whole process goes smoothly and then select basic level projects ...try to commit those changes which you can like you think the font is too big or there are spelling errors

[sonudhakane7526]

OK

…

On Sat, 18 May 2024 at 16:31, Aditi Mehta ***@***.***> wrote: First try to understand the working of git and GitHub so that the whole process goes smoothly and then select basic level projects ...try to commit those changes which you can like you think the font is too big or there are spelling errors — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#34 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A3MYJAJE56OSL3MI5I6WJ7LZC4YKFAVCNFSM6AAAAABHP2UNVGVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43SRDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHM4TINZYGE3DK> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[sonudhakane7526]

Thanks, I'll check them out.

…

On Tue, 21 May 2024 at 15:58, vishalmanve ***@***.***> wrote: First you should know about git and github you need to explore and learn it . Then pick a project of the tech stack in which you are familiar with. What we will do after the projects gets posted, here are the steps for contributing: 1.We fork the repo (creates copy in our profile) 2.Git clone 3.Setting up the project in local environment 4.Comment on the issue in which you want to work, wait for the issue to be assigned. (Remember that the issues are assigned on First come first serve basis). 5. After issue gets assigned, start working on the issue, make changes. 6. Create a new branch to work on the issue. 7.After solving we commit those changes we made. 8.We push the changes. 9.Making a corresponding pull request — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#34 (reply in thread)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A3MYJAN644KJOLUTS54535DZDMOTNAVCNFSM6AAAAABHP2UNVGVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43SRDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHM4TKMBWG42TC> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>