As I look back on WordCamp Nagpur 2024, an event that brought together so many passionate people from the WordPress community, I can’t help but feel grateful for my journey with open source. I’ve been a part of the WordPress community since 2017, and being involved in such a collaborative, open environment has been nothing short of incredible.
The beauty of open source is that it’s driven by people like you and me – passionate contributors from around the world working together to make something better for everyone.
And that’s where Hacktoberfest 2024 comes in!
If you’re like me and love the idea of giving back to the community, learning new skills, or just being part of something bigger, Hacktoberfest is your chance. It’s a global celebration of open-source contributions, and whether you’re a coding wizard or just starting out, this event welcomes everyone with open arms.
Here’s what you need to know to join Hacktoberfest 2024 and experience the thrill for yourself:
What is Hacktoberfest?
Hacktoberfest is a month-long celebration that runs every October. The idea is to encourage open-source contributions by inviting people to submit pull requests (PRs) to any GitHub or GitLab repository.
The best part? If you submit pull requests and its gets approved by the end of October, you’ll earn a sweet Hacktoberfest goodie or the option to plant a tree. 🌱 How cool is that?
How to Get Started
- Sign Up: Head over to hacktoberfest.com and sign up using your GitHub or GitLab account. It only takes a minute.
- Find Projects to Contribute To: The open-source world is massive, so don’t worry about finding something that fits your skill level. Look for repositories with the Hacktoberfest label.
- Make Your Contributions: Once you find a project, contribute by fixing bugs, improving documentation, or adding features. You don’t have to be an expert – just start somewhere! This is all about learning and growing.
- Submit Pull Requests: Once you’ve made your contributions, create pull requests on GitHub or GitLab. These requests show the project maintainers your work and allow them to merge your changes into the project.
P.S. As someone who’s been a part of the WordPress community for a while, I can say there are tons of WordPress-related projects that would love your help – from core development to plugins and themes.
Oh! And did I tell you, this is for Non-Coders too!
Contribute to WordPress Projects in Hactoberfest
I have curated a list where you can contribute to WordPress Projects in Hactoberfest 2024!
Plugins
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WooCommerce
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WP GraphQL
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ElasticPress by 10up
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Distributor by 10up
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Safe SVG by 10up
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Pods Framework
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WordPress Plugin Boilerplate Powered
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WP GraphQL WooCommerce
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Code Snippets Pro
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BuddyBoss Platform
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LifterLMS
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CoBlocks by GoDaddy
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WP GraphQL Gravity Forms by AxeWP
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Apple News by Alley Interactive
Themes
Tools & Others
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WordPress ActivityPub by Automattic
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WordPress Learn
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WP-CLI Profile Command
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WP-CLI Handbook
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WP-CLI Entity Command
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WeCodeMore WPStarter
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Wonolog by Inpsyde
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WP Native PHP Sessions by Pantheon Systems
Do check this out and let me know if you have more such repos!
Why Hacktoberfest is Worth Your Time
You might be wondering why Hacktoberfest is worth joining, and I say exactly what I feel: the experience is priceless.
- Learn and Grow: Contributing to open-source projects teaches you real-world skills. I’ve learned so much about collaboration, version control, and even coding practices just by participating.
- Build a Portfolio: Want to impress future employers? Contributing to open-source projects is a great way to showcase your skills. Your GitHub profile becomes a living resume of all your hard work.
- Connect with Others: Hacktoberfest isn’t just about code – it’s about community. I’ve met some amazing people through this event, and it always feels good to be part of something bigger than yourself.
- Contribute to Something Meaningful: Open source runs the world! From WordPress to Linux, many of the technologies we rely on every day are open source. Your contributions help make these projects better for everyone.
- Swag: And let’s not forget the swag! Who doesn’t love a limited edition goodies or the chance to plant a tree?
A Few Tips to Succeed in Hacktoberfest
If this is your first time joining Hacktoberfest, here’s what will help you:
- Quality Over Quantity: It’s tempting to rush through and submit your four PRs, but focus on quality. Take the time to understand the project and make meaningful contributions.
- Read the Guidelines: Each project has its own contribution guidelines. Make sure to read them so your pull requests get accepted.
- Engage with the Community: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help. Open-source communities are generally very welcoming, and Hacktoberfest is all about learning together.
In Closing
As someone who’s been part of the WordPress community for years, I can honestly say that contributing to open source has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
So, what are you waiting for? Start contributing, and experience the magic of open source for yourself!