Open Source Programs

Start here

New to open source? These programs have the shortest path from zero to a merged pull request, and none of them need you to be an expert first.

Best programs for beginners

Ranked by how little ceremony stands between you and your first contribution.

  • Hacktoberfest

    No long application process, wide variety of projects, beginner-friendly labels

    Getting started: Look for hacktoberfest, good first issue, beginner-friendly tags

  • Season of KDE

    Strong community support, good documentation, multiple skill levels

    Getting started: Join KDE channels early and read the contributor guides

  • 24 Pull Requests

    Encourages small contributions, very beginner-friendly

    Getting started: Great for making your first PR in December

  • LFX Mentorship

    Structured mentoring, clear project scope, professional guidance

    Getting started: Pick projects marked beginner-friendly

Where to find your first issue

Repositories with an active habit of labelling work for newcomers, and the labels each community actually uses.

Python

DjangoPandasMatplotlib
easynewcomer-friendlygood first issue

JavaScript

freeCodeCampReactNode.js
good first issuebeginnerhelp wanted

Java

Spring FrameworkApache Projects
newbiestartergood first issue

C++

OpenCVGodot
junior jobeasygood first issue

Documentation

Most projects need docs.

documentationgood first issuehelp wanted

You do not have to write code

Every one of these counts as a real contribution.

  • Documentation

    Fix typos, improve README files, write tutorials

  • Translation

    Help translate software to different languages

    Mozilla Firefox TranslationsEthereum Translation Program
  • Design

    Create logos, UI mockups, graphics

  • Testing

    Report bugs, test new features

  • Community

    Help answer questions, organize events

An eight week path

A realistic ramp from never having used Git to submitting your first application.

  1. Week 1-2
    Learn Git and GitHub basics
  2. Week 3-4
    Make your first documentation PR
  3. Week 5-6
    Fix your first small bug
  4. Week 7-8
    Apply to beginner-friendly programs

Labels worth searching for

Search any of these on GitHub together with a language you know.

  • good first issue

    GitHub's standard beginner label

  • help wanted

    Projects actively seeking contributors

  • beginner

    Difficulty indicator

  • easy

    Difficulty indicator

  • newbie

    Difficulty indicator

  • documentation

    Usually beginner-friendly

  • hacktoberfest

    Participating in Hacktoberfest

  • first-timers-only

    Exclusively for new contributors