Beginner Open Source Guide for Gssoc

Beginner Open Source Guide for Gssoc

I see many questions on Gssoc discord about how to choose a project? How to start contributing? Although it has been explained by the organizers already. So in this article, we will see how you can start your open source contribution journey as a beginner.

Okay, but what exactly Gssoc is?

GirlScript Summer Of Code (Gssoc) is a three-month-long Open-Source Program conducted every summer by the Girlscript Foundation for beginners. With constant efforts, participants can contribute to numerous projects under the extreme guidance of skilled mentors over these months. With such exposure, students begin to contribute to real-world projects from the comfort of their homes. GirlScript Summer Of Code has witnessed active participation over the years, and the 2022 edition aims to carry the legacy with a promising impact.

How to select a project in Gssoc?

Step1  -  Go to Gssoc Official website. Link
Step2  -  Navigate to the project section.
Screenshot 2022-03-14 182756.png Step3  -  You can choose any of the projects from a list that meets your tech stack requirements or catches your eye. Screenshot 2022-03-14 183042.png (Click on tech stack chip to filter the list of projects)
Step4  -  Click on Project Details > Repository Link to navigate to the project's Github repository Screenshot 2022-03-14 183026.png

How to Start Contributing to the project?

The following points should be noted when contributing to Gssoc:-

  • Issue will be assigned on a first come - first serve basis.
  • If you are thinking to make a PR then at first be sure to get assigned.
  • If the issue is not assigned to you then your PR will not be accepted.
  • Feel free to create issues for bugs or suggestions and get assigned to them.
  • Select your self role and projects on discord to get access to your projects channel.

Now that you have been assigned an issue, how will you proceed?

  • Fork the project you want to work on.
  • Open Git Bash and follow the commands :
1. git clone <forked repo HTTPS link> // cloning the forked repository
2. cd <project-name> //Going into the project folder, you can do it manually too.
3. git remote add upstream <original repository link, not the forked one>// Adding a remote-tracking branch means that git then knows what you want to do when you git fetch, git pull or git push in future.
4. git branch <branch-name> //make a new branch where we will make our changes.
5. git checkout <branch-name> //working on a new branch.
//Now you can start working on the issue assigned to you.
//After making changes:-
6. git add <files you changed>
7. git commit -m "changes message"
8. git push origin <branch-name> // push your changes to origin repository.
  • Go to Github > Forked Repo and you will see Compare and pull request, click on it and submit the pull request.
  • Your Pull Request will be merged if it resolves the issue.
  • To keep your forked repository up to date with the upstream repository, click on Fetch Upstream > Fetch and merge

Last but not least, regardless of whether or not your pull request gets approved and merged, you deserve to pat yourself on the back and feel proud of yourself for attempting to make your first open-source contribution!🎉