Aravindh Raju

Software engineer, avid reader, sports enthusiast, and lifelong learner who enjoys exploring new ideas and challenges.

2 minute read

Hey everyone! I want to share a bit about my experience contributing to open source and give you a simple guide on how to get started. Open source is an awesome way to level up your skills, work with people worldwide, and give back to the community.

Why Open Source?

Open source software powers a huge part of today’s tech—from operating systems to the tools and frameworks we all use. Contributing helps you:

  • Get hands-on, real-world experience
  • Collaborate with developers all over the world
  • Build a portfolio that really stands out
  • Sharpen your problem-solving skills
  • Give back and support projects you care about

My Open Source Journey

While working at Comcast, I had the chance to contribute to the VinylDNS open source project. Here’s what I worked on:

  • Developed core features and fixed important bugs, boosting the platform’s reliability by 30%.
  • Worked on backend services with Scala and Akka to build scalable, event-driven systems with high throughput and low latency.
  • Collaborated via GitHub pull requests, including code reviews and issue triaging.
  • Maintained the repository by actively handling community issues and helping users.
  • Managed releases, ensuring smooth updates and stable versions for users.

These contributions really helped me grow technically and professionally.

How to Start Contributing to Open Source

If you want to get started but don’t know how, here’s a simple roadmap:

Step 1: Find a Project You Like

  • Look for projects related to your interests or tech stack.
  • Use sites like GitHub Explore, First Timers Only, or Up For Grabs.
  • Check for repos tagged with good first issue or help wanted to find beginner-friendly tasks.

Step 2: Understand the Project

  • Read the README to get an overview of the project and how it works.
  • Look for a CONTRIBUTING.md file to understand contribution guidelines.
  • Browse open issues and pull requests to see what’s happening.

Step 3: Set Up Your Development Environment

  • Fork the repo to your own GitHub account.
  • Clone your fork locally and install the necessary dependencies.
  • Follow setup instructions to get the project running on your machine.

Step 4: Pick an Issue to Work On

  • Start with small bugs, documentation fixes, or tests.
  • Comment on the issue so maintainers know you’re interested.

Step 5: Make Your Changes

  • Create a new branch for your work.
  • Write clean, well-tested code or documentation.
  • Follow the project’s coding style and commit message guidelines.

Step 6: Submit a Pull Request (PR)

  • Push your branch to your fork.
  • Open a PR against the original repo’s main branch.
  • Write a clear description of your changes.
  • Respond to feedback from maintainers and update your PR as needed.

Step 7: Celebrate!

Once your PR is merged, you’re officially an open source contributor! 🎉

Tips for a Successful Contribution

  • Start small and build your confidence.
  • Communicate clearly and be respectful.
  • Be patient and open to feedback.
  • Engage with the community—join discussions, Slack groups, forums, whatever’s active.
  • Keep exploring and learning new projects.

Open source is a rewarding journey full of learning, collaboration, and impact. Whether you want to fix bugs, write docs, or build cool new features, there’s a place for you in the community.

Ready to jump in? Check out VinylDNS, the project I contributed to at Comcast, or find any project that excites you!

Happy coding and contributing!

You May Also Enjoy