Here are a few things I wished someone had told me when I started out.

1. Selecting the right project

It all starts with a purpose. Which skill you are looking to acquire, and what technology interests you.

Staying motivated is difficult if you are not interested in what you do. freeCodeCamp blog emphasizes on the importance of choosing right projects.

As a beginner, look for issues with the labels first-timers only or beginner-friendly.

These issues have detailed instructions about the problem and solution. Great for a beginner to start with.

Don't lose hope if you preferred a repository that didn't have issues with these labels. You can keep coming back or ask for help in the community developer's group.

2. I don't understand a thing

Okay. So now you have found an issue you partially understand. Now what?

How to find the relevant code about the issue? What do you do when you don't understand something?

Ask.

You can comment on the issue or post it in the developer's community.

3. I don't know Github

The read.me usually have instructions to set up projects.

After setting up, basic commands that you need to learn are:

• creating a new branch

• committing your code

• setting an upstream

• making a pull request

Not to mention there is always learning on the go.

3. What should I do next?

Congratulations on making your first pull request. It's okay if you haven't yet. You will be there soon.

After the first PR is merged what is next? What issues should you approach?

help-wanted labels are open to everyone. Comment on those issues.

Make sure there are no PRs waiting to be merged on those issues, and no one else has taken it up.

The rule is: Don't be afraid to ask.

4. Who do I ask?

A developer's forum is the best place.

You can get the links where the developer's hangout from the read.me.

Don't overlook the read.me. It's there for a purpose.

5. What else should I know

A few things go without saying.

Be respectful and nice to everyone you are interacting with. Value their time and yours. . All your queries might not be answered all the time. Be patient.

One project contains multiple repositories. When running out of issues explore other repositories.

Open-source is more than making your Github profile green.

It is an opportunity to collaborate and network. The returns are compound.