Contributing to open source projects can be rewarding and fun, especially for beginners looking to gain experience with GitHub and collaboration. This guide will help you navigate your first contribution with confidence. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

This tutorial targets those who wish to participate in a straightforward project. Whether you are new to coding or have some experience, you will find that making a contribution is a smooth and encouraging process.

Objectives

• Make a contribution to an open-source project.
• Get comfortable in using GitHub.

Who is this for?

This guide is aimed at absolute beginners and those looking to get more hands-on experience with GitHub. If you know how to write and edit a basic HTML tag, you’re ready to contribute!

Why do I need to do this?

Web developers, both aspiring and experienced, need to be proficient in Git and GitHub. These tools are vital for modern development and crucial for engaging with the open-source community. Contributing boosts your confidence and enhances your GitHub profile!

Setting Up

Before diving into the contribution process, you need to set up your environment:

1. Log in or create an account on GitHub.
2. Download the GitHub Desktop app. Alternatively, if you’re comfortable with the command line, consider the CLI tutorial.

Contributing in Ten Steps

Ready to start? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Fork the Repository

The first step is to create your own copy of the project.

• Visit the main page of the repository.
• Click on the Fork button at the top right.

Step 2: Clone the Repository

Now you will download this project to your local machine.

• Open the GitHub Desktop app.
• Click on File → Clone repository, and select your fork of the project.

Step 3: Create a New Branch

Let’s keep your changes organized.

• In GitHub Desktop, click on Current branch then New.
• Name your branch something relevant, like your-name-card, and publish it.

Step 4: Open the index.html File

Next, let’s edit the file you’ll be working on.

• Locate the project folder and open index.html in your code editor.

Step 5: Copy the Card Template

Find the template you’ll modify.

• Look for the section that houses contribution cards and find the template indicated by comments.
• Copy everything from the Contributor card START comment to the Contributor card END comment.

Step 6: Apply Your Changes

This is where the fun begins! Before you start, think of your card as a personalized introduction.

• Replace “Name” with your name.
• Insert your Twitter URL and handle.
• Add a brief description about yourself and share three useful resources for web developers.

Step 7: Commit Your Changes

It’s time to save the updates you made.

• In GitHub Desktop, your changes will show up in green.
• Add a brief commit message and click Commit.

Step 8: Push Your Changes to GitHub

Share your local changes to your repository.

• Click the Push button in GitHub Desktop.

Step 9: Submit a Pull Request (PR)

Your opportunity to merge your contributions with the original project!

• Navigate back to your fork on GitHub and click on the highlighted PR message.
• Fill in the necessary information and click Create pull request.

Step 10: Celebrate!

Congratulations! You’ve officially contributed to an open-source project! Be patient as your changes will need review before they are live on the site.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any snags along the way, consider these solutions:

• Ensure you are working in the correct branch and not the master branch which might lead to unintentional changes.
• Verify you’ve saved all changes before committing.
• Double-check your HTML for any syntax errors that might break the layout.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Next Steps

Now that you’re an open-source contributor, check back for your Pull Request status and engage with other projects that interest you!

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions.

Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.