Boost Your Software Development Skills: Contributing to Open Source on GitHub
Are you looking to practice and grow your software development skills and enhance your resume? One powerful way to do so is by contributing to open source projects on GitHub. As someone who struggled after graduating from a coding bootcamp, here’s why I regret not contributing more to open source projects.
Why Contribute to Open Source?
Open source projects offer a unique opportunity for developers of all levels to collaborate, learn, and grow. By contributing to these projects, you not only hone your coding and debugging abilities but also gain valuable experience working in a team environment. Even if you're just starting out in your coding journey, diving into open source can provide you with real-world exposure and hands-on practice.
Getting Started with GitHub
If you haven't already, creating a GitHub account is your first step towards becoming a part of the open source community. Don't wait until you feel like a coding pro—having a GitHub account early on allows you to showcase your progress and build a portfolio of your work. Whether you're a coding bootcamp graduate or a self-taught enthusiast, GitHub is a must tool for every developer to learn. That’s why, as the founder of Code Flight, I’ve made it a point to included it into all module projects in Code Flight, so you’ll not only learn how to code but how to push it up to GitHub too!
Navigating Open Source Projects
Luckily, Open source projects welcome contributions from developers worldwide, regardless of their skill level. This means you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work on projects that align with your interests. While it may seem daunting at first to dive into a project without knowing the entire codebase, this mirrors the reality of a developer's job, where you'll often encounter unfamiliar codebases and collaborate with team members you've never met.
Don’t know where to start?
As a coding bootcamp graduate and former coding bootcamp instructor, I really struggled and saw many students struggle with real-world application of code. That’s why I decided to leave my job as coding bootcamp instructor and launch Code Flight. As the founder of Code Flight, I am on a mission to provide a learn-to-code solution that fills the gaps that I saw in my experiences botha s a student and instructor. So, if you’re interested in learning to code and want to support a “Suitcase Coder”, check out Code Flight, a personalized learn-to-code platform designed to fuel your coding journey. Visit Code Flight to get started today!
