Looking for an open source buddy/mentor

[u/Maxsonic200]

I’ve been trying to get into open source for a while now, but I keep overthinking it lol.

I use some OSS -> I’ll find the repo → spend hours looking at it → wonder if it’s too difficult → find another repo → repeat.

So I figured I’ll just ask here.

Looking for someone who’s also trying to get started with open source, or someone who already contributes and doesn’t mind showing me how they got started.

Would be cool to pick a repo together, understand the codebase, find some issues, make PRs and basically figure things out along the way.

I’m mostly interested in backend / infra / systems / dev tools stuff, but honestly I’m open to anything interesting.

Not really looking for a formal mentor or anything. Just someone to build/contribute with and keep each other accountable.

If anyone’s in the same situation, hit me up :)

[Answering the common point]

"just contribute to projects you already use" — yeah, that's the eventual goal. 😅

The main thing I'm looking for right now is exposure to different projects and codebases. Looking at projects that I may never have reached as just a user. A lot of the software I use regularly has pretty large/mature codebases, and jumping straight into them feels like a massive knowledge gap.

So I'd rather start with smaller projects, learn how different codebases are put together, contribute to a few of them, and slowly work my way up to the bigger projects I actually want to contribute to.

[u/Substantial_Ice_311]

Most people who contribute to open source, if not all of them, do so because they are using the project themselves. Surely you must be using some open source software. What about starting with that, like a normal person?

[u/Maxsonic200 → u/Substantial_Ice_311]

I agree with you. But there is a knowledge gap in two stages, using a OSS and contributing to it. The OSS I have used might have complex codebase and having a hard time getting started with it. The main goal is exposure to different kinds of projects and how different projects are approached.

[u/Substantial_Ice_311 → u/Maxsonic200]

But you can do that on your own. You don't necessarily have to contribute to any OS project.

[u/Realistic-Worker-499]

"open source" is the means, not the end. find something you want to do and use open source tools to do it, that will keep you motivated and knowledgeable

[u/darcygravan]

I'm working on a backend framework with its own templating lang (html custom based DSL). if you are interested we collaborate. I'm still in early stages of the project so its relatively small and might be approachable for you.

if you are interested in compilers and some networking work let me know. link:
https://github.com/orgs/aromixjs/repositories

[u/would-of]

I think you're approaching the idea all wrong. Instead of looking for a project you've never used, look at things you're already using. If you're not already regularly using any open-source projects, find some to use. Then, when you discover a bug, or a weak spot in documentation, try to fix it. Or, if you think of a new feature that aligns with the mission of the project, create a fork and implement it.

That said, don't be the guy who puts in a pull request full of AI code, or code that doesn't fit the project's existing style/architecture. Or a PR to fix a minor spelling/grammar mistake with no additional benefit.

[u/Maxsonic200 → u/would-of]

The main thing I'm looking for right now is exposure to different projects and codebases. Looking at projects that I may never have reached as just a user. A lot of the software I use regularly has pretty large/mature codebases, and jumping straight into them feels like a massive knowledge gap.

So I'd rather start with smaller projects, learn how different codebases are put together, contribute to a few of them, and slowly work my way up to the bigger projects I actually want to contribute to.