"Getting Started with Open Source: A Beginner's Guide to Contributing and 5 Sources to Begin With"

Open-source software has revolutionized the way we develop and use technology. It allows anyone to access and modify the source code of the software, making it a collaborative effort that leads to better and more secure products. Contributing to open source as a beginner developer is a great way to gain experience and improve your skills. Here are some tips on how to get started and some sources where beginners can contribute.

1. Choose the right project

The first step is to choose the right project. Look for a project that interests you and aligns with your skill set. The project should also have an active community of developers and maintainers who can guide you through the process of contributing. You can browse through platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket to find projects that are actively seeking contributions.

1. Start with small tasks

When you are new to open source, it can be overwhelming to jump into a big project. Start with small tasks like fixing a bug, adding documentation, or improving code formatting. This will help you get familiar with the project's codebase and development workflow.

1. Read the contribution guidelines

Every open-source project has its own contribution guidelines. It is important to read and follow these guidelines before making any contributions. The guidelines will tell you how to set up your development environment, how to submit code changes, and what coding standards to follow.

1. Ask for help

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Open-source communities are known for their supportive and collaborative nature. If you have any doubts or questions, ask for help from the community. You can use the project's forums, mailing lists, or chat channels to communicate with other developers.

1. Be patient and persistent

Contributing to open source can be a time-consuming process. You may face challenges and roadblocks along the way. Be patient and persistent. Keep learning and improving your skills. Your contributions may seem small, but they can make a big difference in the open-source community.

Here are five sources where a beginner can contribute:

1. Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla Firefox is an open-source web browser that welcomes contributions from developers of all skill levels. You can contribute to Firefox by fixing bugs, adding new features, or improving the user interface.

2. Apache OpenOffice: Apache OpenOffice is an open-source office productivity suite that includes applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. You can contribute to OpenOffice by fixing bugs, adding new features, or improving the documentation.

3. TensorFlow: TensorFlow is an open-source machine learning library developed by Google. You can contribute to TensorFlow by fixing bugs, adding new features, or improving documentation.

4. WordPress: WordPress is an open-source content management system that powers millions of websites around the world. You can contribute to WordPress by fixing bugs, improving the user interface, or translating the software into different languages.

5. OpenStreetMap: OpenStreetMap is an open-source mapping platform that allows anyone to contribute to the creation of a free and open map of the world. You can contribute to OpenStreetMap by adding new features, fixing errors, or improving the documentation.

In conclusion, contributing to open source as a beginner developer is a great way to gain experience and improve your skills. Start by choosing the right project, starting with small tasks, reading the contribution guidelines, asking for help, and being patient and persistent. With these tips and sources, you can get started on your open-source journey today.

Some GitHub repositories to contribute as a beginner:
1. https://github.com/JatinBisht2308/Gym-Junkies.git
2. https://github.com/IAmTamal/Milan.git
3. https://github.com/tenable/terrascan
4. https://github.com/TandoorRecipes/recipes.git
5. You can find more at: https://goodfirstissue.dev/