Open Source Contributions

Why Open Source Matters

Open source embodies collaboration and innovation. It’s a way for developers, designers, and users to work together to build software that is free, transparent, and accessible for everyone.

By contributing to open source, individuals and organisations benefit in a wide range of ways, such as:

• Foster Innovation: Open collaboration leads to faster problem-solving and creative solutions.
• Enhance Skills: Contributors gain experience, improve technical skills, and learn from a global community.
• Build Reputation: Being part of significant open-source projects can enhance professional credibility.
• Give Back: Contributing is a way to support the tools and frameworks that support your own projects.
• Ensure Sustainability: Contributions help maintain and improve the software you rely on.

How to Get Started with Open Source Contributions

Getting involved in open source can seem daunting at first, but it’s a rewarding journey. Here are some steps to help you begin:

1. Find A Project That Resonates With You

Start with tools or frameworks that you use frequently. For us at Amazee Labs, this often means projects like Drupal, React, or Gatsby. Identify a project that aligns with your interests and skills.

2. Understand The Project

Spend some time reviewing the project’s documentation, roadmap, and contribution guidelines. Familiarise yourself with how the community operates and what contributions are needed. Many community projects link to a “Getting Started” or a “First Time Contributors” section.

3. Start Small

You don’t have to fix major bugs or implement big features right away. Begin with small contributions, such as:

• Reporting issues or bugs.
• Improving documentation.
• Reviewing pull requests.
• Fixing typos or minor bugs.

4. Engage With The Community

Join forums, Slack channels, or other communication platforms where the community interacts, such as Discord. Attend events like DrupalCon or React meetups to connect with other contributors.

5. Contribute Regularly

Consistency matters more than volume. Even small, steady contributions make a big impact over time.

Types of Contributions

Contributing to open source isn’t just about writing code. There are many ways to get involved:

Code Contributions

This is the most common way to contribute. It includes:

• Fixing bugs.
• Adding new features.
• Improving performance.

Non-Code Contributions

Not a developer? No problem. Open source communities need:

• Documentation: Clear and comprehensive guides are invaluable.
• Design: Help improve the user interface or branding.
• Testing: Identify and report bugs or provide feedback on usability.

Hosting Events and Promoting Open Source

Promoting open source can be as impactful as writing code. Consider:

• Organising meetups or webinars.
• Writing blogs or creating tutorials.
• Spreading the word on social media.

Our Contributions at Amazee Labs

At Amazee Labs, we take pride in our contributions to the open-source community. Here’s a snapshot of some of our work:

Drupal

• Over 75 contributions in the past year to Drupal
• Active participation in organising Drupal events, such as Drupal Mountain Camp, DrupalCon in Europe, and Splash Awards Switzerland
• Supported over 90 projects on drupal.org
• Sharing knowledge through blogs and talks

React / Gatsby / Waku

• Contributions to libraries and plugins
• Sharing knowledge through blogs and talks

Lagoon - https://github.com/uselagoon

• Contributions to documentation, bug fixes, and posting new ideas for feature development.

Getting Involved in the Drupal Community

If you’re new to open source, Drupal is an excellent place to start. Here’s how you can join the community:

• Signup on drupal.org
• Read through the guide - getting started with contribution
• Explore and look for issues tagged with “novice” or “good first issue”
• Join Events like DrupalCon, local meetups, or local camps. For example, I’ve been a volunteer in helping to organise DrupalCons in Europe for the past three years. These events are a fantastic way to connect and collaborate.
• Drupal Mountain Camp: Don’t miss Drupal Mountain Camp, a community-driven camp event which I’ve helped organise for the past four editions. The next camp is coming up in March — join us for an unforgettable experience in Davos, Switzerland!
• Stay Updated: Subscribe to newsletters, such as The Weekly Drop or The Drop Times, or join Slack groups, such as Drupal’s official Slack.

Non-Code Contributions in Drupal

In addition to coding, I’ve made significant contributions in non-code areas, including organising events, improving documentation, and advocacy. Getting involved in non-code contributions is highly accessible — even small efforts can have a meaningful impact on the community's growth and success.

The same principles apply to other communities like React, Gatsby, Waku, or Lagoon. Every open-source ecosystem thrives on the active participation of its users.

Why Your Contributions Matter

Open source is a shared responsibility. The tools and frameworks we use every day are the result of countless hours of work from contributors worldwide. By giving back, you’re not just improving the software — you’re strengthening the community and ensuring its longevity.

At Amazee Labs, we believe in the power of open source. Whether it’s through code, documentation, or advocacy, every contribution counts. Ready to make your mark? Start small, stay consistent, and join the global movement that’s shaping the future of technology.