--- title: Open Source Contributor Onboarding: 10 Tips | daily.dev description: Discover effective onboarding strategies for open source contributors and build a welcoming community around your project. canonical: https://daily.dev/blog/open-source-contributor-onboarding-10-tips/ og:type: article og:url: https://daily.dev/blog/open-source-contributor-onboarding-10-tips/ og:title: Open Source Contributor Onboarding: 10 Tips | daily.dev og:description: Discover effective onboarding strategies for open source contributors and build a welcoming community around your project. og:image: https://media.daily.dev/image/upload/s--yXu9STPa--/f_auto,q_auto/v1/recruiter-landing/66ef61633749c3a9fcfd1a02_ed6789ec6d8b7bf655c09fe78ab2da04_85d9146016?_a=BAMAMiB80 og:site_name: daily.dev og:locale: en_US article:published_time: 2024-09-22 article:modified_time: 2026-05-25T06:20:17.485Z article:author: Alex Carter twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:site: @dailydotdev twitter:creator: @dailydotdev twitter:title: Open Source Contributor Onboarding: 10 Tips | daily.dev twitter:description: Discover effective onboarding strategies for open source contributors and build a welcoming community around your project. twitter:image: https://media.daily.dev/image/upload/s--yXu9STPa--/f_auto,q_auto/v1/recruiter-landing/66ef61633749c3a9fcfd1a02_ed6789ec6d8b7bf655c09fe78ab2da04_85d9146016?_a=BAMAMiB80 --- Want to boost your open source project's success? Here's how to onboard new contributors effectively: 1. Write clear, complete documentation 2. Set up a Code of Conduct 3. Create contributor guidelines 4. Mark easy tasks for beginners 5. Start a mentoring program 6. Make setup easy 7. Offer different ways to help 8. Use quick-response communication tools 9. Thank and highlight contributors 10. Ask for and use feedback Key stats: - Projects with contribution guidelines are 17% more productive - Marking 25% of issues as "Good First Issues" boosts contributors by 13% - Mentorship increases productivity by 46% Quick Comparison: | Tip | Impact | Difficulty | | --- | --- | --- | | Clear docs | High | Medium | | Code of Conduct | Medium | Low | | Contributor guidelines | High | Medium | | Beginner tasks | High | Low | | Mentoring | High | High | | Easy setup | High | Medium | | Diverse contributions | Medium | Low | | Quick communication | Medium | Low | | Recognition | Medium | Low | | Feedback loop | High | Medium | Remember: Open source is about building a welcoming community, not just code. Focus on people first, and contributions will follow. ## Related video from YouTube ::: @iframe https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Kc_qR4hKVfA ## 1\. Write Clear, Complete Documentation Good docs are the backbone of any open source project. They're often the first thing new contributors see, and can make or break their decision to join in. Here's how to create docs that welcome and guide new contributors: 1\. **Cover everything** Your docs should include: - How to install - How to set things up - API details - Code examples - Troubleshooting tips 2\. **Keep it simple** Don't use fancy words if you don't have to. If you must use tech terms, explain them clearly. 3\. **Show real examples** Give examples of how to use features or fix common problems. Make sure all code examples actually work before you share them. 4\. **Make it easy to read** Use headers, sections, and bullet points. For long docs, add a table of contents. 5\. **Keep it fresh** Update your docs often. Make sure they match the latest changes and new features. 6\. **Make it easy to find** People should be able to search and navigate your docs easily. 7\. **Be direct** Write instructions clearly. Say "Click 'yes' to delete your data" instead of "Data will be deleted if 'yes' is clicked." 8\. **Use pictures** Add charts, graphs, and images to help explain things. Good docs can make a big difference: | What We're Looking At | Bad Docs | Good Docs | | --- | --- | --- | | New Contributor Experience | Slow and frustrating | Quick and easy | | Understanding the Project | Confusing | Clear | | Community Growth | Not much | Steady increase | | Solving Problems | Takes forever | Quick and efficient | Remember, docs are always a work in progress. Ask users and contributors for feedback to keep making them better. > "Good documentation is key to open source success." - Every Smart Developer Ever ## 2\. Set Up a Code of Conduct A Code of Conduct is crucial for [open source projects](https://app.daily.dev/posts/r6VF_ruyA). It's your community's rulebook. Here's how to nail it: 1\. **Start early** Set the tone from day one. Launch your project with a Code of Conduct in place. 2\. **Use a template** Don't start from scratch. The [Contributor Covenant](https://www.contributor-covenant.org/) is a popular choice used by thousands of projects. 3\. **Make it visible** Put your CODE\_OF\_CONDUCT file in the root directory. Link to it from README and CONTRIBUTING files. 4\. **Be specific** Your code should clearly state: - Where it applies (GitHub, mailing lists, etc.) - Who it covers (contributors, maintainers, users) - Consequences for breaking rules - How to report violations 5\. **Provide reporting options** Offer a private way to report issues. For example, the [khmer](https://github.com/dib-lab/khmer) project uses an email for reporting, with an alternate contact for sensitive situations. 6\. **Enforce it** Take reports seriously. Follow through on stated consequences. 7\. **Review regularly** As your project evolves, so should your Code of Conduct. Here's how projects stack up with and without a Code of Conduct: | Aspect | Without Code of Conduct | With Code of Conduct | | --- | --- | --- | | Community vibe | Unpredictable | Welcoming | | Conflict handling | Inconsistent | Clear process | | New contributor experience | Uncertain | Clear expectations | | Project image | Potentially risky | Professional | A Code of Conduct isn't just a document - it's a commitment to a healthy, inclusive community. ## 3\. Create Contributor Guidelines Clear contributor guidelines help new open source contributors join your project smoothly. They're like a roadmap for newcomers. Here's how to make them: 1\. **Make them easy to find** Put your CONTRIBUTING file in an obvious spot - the root, docs, or .github folder. 2\. **Start with a friendly welcome** Thank people for their interest. Show you appreciate their effort. 3\. **Explain how to contribute** Give step-by-step instructions: - Fork the repo - Clone it locally - Create a new branch - Make changes - Submit a pull request 4\. **Set clear expectations** Tell contributors what you want: - Word count for docs - Code style rules - Testing requirements 5\. **Show where to talk** List places to discuss the project (mailing lists, chat rooms, forums). 6\. **Link to key resources** Include links to: - Project roadmap - Issue tracker - Code of Conduct 7\. **Explain how you review contributions** This helps set realistic expectations. 8\. **Mark beginner-friendly issues** Help newcomers find a good starting point. 9\. **Offer learning resources** List tutorials or books about your project's tech stack. 10\. **Keep it current** Update your guidelines as your project changes. Your guidelines should be detailed but easy to read. As Josh Slone from [LeadFuze](https://www.leadfuze.com/) says: > "When I started off with the contributor guidelines, I thought about everything we wanted to see in a good contributor, but also the things we would never want to see again." ## 4\. Mark Easy Tasks for Beginners Want to attract new contributors? Mark tasks for beginners. It's a simple way to help newcomers get started and build confidence. Here's how to do it right: 1\. **Use clear labels** Slap on labels like "good first issue" or "beginner-friendly". These help newbies find tasks they can handle. 2\. **Pick the right tasks** Choose tasks that are: - Small - Well-documented - Don't need much project knowledge - Have clear goals Think: fixing typos, updating docs, adding small features, or minor bug fixes. 3\. **Give details** When creating a beginner issue, include: - What needs to be done - How to reproduce bugs - Suggested approach - Links to helpful docs 4\. **Offer help** Add contact info for newcomers who might need a hand. Show them you've got their back. 5\. **Use [beginner-friendly platforms](https://daily.dev/blog/competitive-programming-websites-for-beginners-a-starter-guide)** Some platforms list beginner tasks from various projects: | Platform | What it does | | --- | --- | | [Up For Grabs](https://up-for-grabs.net/) | Lists projects with newbie-friendly tasks | | [Codetribute](https://github.com/mozilla-frontend-infra/codetribute) | Matches contributors to projects | | Good First Issue | Curates "good first issue" tasks | 6\. **Show it matters** Let newbies know their work counts. As the [First Timers Only](https://www.firsttimersonly.com/) initiative puts it: > "I'm willing to hold your hand so you can make your first PR. This issue is a bit easier than normal. And anyone who's already contributed to open source isn't allowed to touch this one!" ## 5\. Start a Mentoring Program Want to supercharge your open source project's growth? Pair experienced contributors with newcomers. Here's how: 1\. **Set clear goals** What do you want? More contributors? Better code? Set targets you can measure. 2\. **Choose a format** Short-term or ongoing? The [Open Infrastructure Foundation](https://openinfra.dev/) pairs students with [OpenStack](https://www.openstack.org/) mentors for extended periods. 3\. **Find great mentors** Look for patient experts who communicate well. As Karsten Wade from Red Hat says: > "Part of starting, or growing, a successful open source community is designing the community to be sustainable." 4\. **Make good matches** Consider skills, interests, and time zones. The [Linux Kernel Mentorship Program](https://wiki.linuxfoundation.org/lkmp) uses applications to ensure good fits. 5\. **Set expectations** Create guidelines for both sides: | Mentors | Mentees | | --- | --- | | Time commitment | Learning goals | | Communication frequency | Expected participation | | Areas of guidance | Deliverables | 6\. **Support your mentors** Offer training and documentation on common newbie issues. 7\. **Keep communication flowing** Set up dedicated channels for mentor-mentee pairs. 8\. **Track progress** Use regular check-ins. The [Debian Mentoring Program](https://www.debian.org/women/mentoring) requires monthly updates. 9\. **Get feedback** Keep improving. The [LFX Mentorship](https://lfx.linuxfoundation.org/tools/mentorship/) found that 99% of graduates found it helpful, with 47% saying it helped them land a job. Mentoring isn't just about code. Kendall from the Open Infrastructure Foundation puts it well: > "Mentorship in open source is a win-win scenario. For students, it provides practical experience, enhances their resumes, and expands their professional networks." ###### sbb-itb-bfaad5b ## 6\. Make Setup Easy A smooth setup process can turn a potential contributor into an active team member. Here's how to make your project's setup a breeze: ### Create a Killer README Your README is your project's first impression. Make it count: - Step-by-step installation guide - List of dependencies and how to get them - Commands to run the project locally ### Automate Everything You Can Use tools to cut down manual steps: - [Docker](https://www.docker.com/): Package your app and dependencies - [Docker Compose](https://docs.docker.com/compose/): Run multi-container apps > At [Anyfin](https://anyfin.com/en_SE), a new engineer set up multiple backend services in just 5 hours using Docker. That's FAST. ### Give Options People like choices. Offer different setup methods: | Method | Good | Not So Good | | --- | --- | --- | | Docker | Consistent, quick start | Needs Docker know-how | | Local install | Full control | Potential environment issues | | Dev containers | IDE-friendly | Requires specific IDEs | ### Use Virtual Environments Keep your project's dependencies isolated: - Python: `venv` or `virtualenv` - Node.js: `nvm` for managing versions ### One-Click Setup Create a single command to handle most of the setup: ```bash ./setup.sh ``` This can install dependencies, set up databases, and configure environment variables. ### Test It Yourself Regularly go through your own setup process. Better yet, ask someone new to try it out. ### Offer Help Some folks might still need a hand: - Set up a chat channel for setup questions - Create an FAQ for common issues - Assign mentors to guide new contributors ## 7\. Offer Different Ways to Help Open source projects need more than just coders. Here's how to welcome all kinds of helpers: ### Beyond Code Not everyone writes code, but everyone can pitch in: | Contribution | What It Is | Why It Matters | | --- | --- | --- | | Documentation | Writing guides, fixing typos | Makes the project easier to use | | Testing | Finding bugs, suggesting tweaks | Improves the software | | Design | Creating logos, improving UI | Makes the project look better | | Support | Answering questions, mentoring | Builds a stronger community | ### Real Impact In 2011, Mozilla saw Firefox usage jump after translating it to Spanish. That's the power of non-coding help. ### Easy Start Guide Create a guide that shows: - Where to find tasks - How to submit work - Where to ask questions ### Credit Everyone Give a shout-out to all helpers. GitHub's [All Contributors](https://github.com/all-contributors/app) bot can do this automatically. ### Match Skills to Tasks Ask newbies what they're good at. Then point them to the right jobs: - Writers → Documentation - Artists → Design - Organizers → Event planning ## 8\. Use Quick-Response Communication Tools Fast, clear communication is key for open source projects. The right tools can speed up how your team responds to new contributors. Here's what to consider: 1\. **Instant messaging** Slack and Discord are great for quick chats. They offer: - Real-time problem-solving - Easy file sharing - Topic-specific channels The [Mozilla Firefox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/) team uses [Matrix](https://matrix.org/), an open-source Slack alternative, for daily chats. 2\. **Video calls** For complex talks, try video. Zoom and [Jitsi](https://jitsi.org/) (open-source) work well. 3\. **Issue trackers** GitHub or [GitLab Issues](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/issues/) help contributors report bugs or suggest features. They're perfect for: - Organizing tasks - Tracking progress - Focused discussions 4\. **Mailing lists** For detailed talks, mailing lists still work. Many use Google Groups or Mailman. Here's a quick tool comparison: | Tool | Type | Best for | Open Source? | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Slack | Chat | Quick talks | No | | Matrix | Chat | Secure, decentralized chat | Yes | | Zoom | Video | Big meetings | No | | Jitsi | Video | Small to medium calls | Yes | | GitHub Issues | Task tracking | Bugs, feature requests | No | | GitLab Issues | Task tracking | Self-hosted option | Yes | The goal? Make it easy for new contributors to get help fast. Pick tools that are: - Simple to set up and use - Easy for your contributors to access - In line with your project's values (like open-source options) ## 9\. Thank and Highlight Contributors Building a strong open source community? Don't forget to show some love to your contributors. Here's how: **Create a contributors page** Set up a dedicated space on your project site or README to showcase community efforts. [React Native](https://reactnative.dev/) does this well, listing Committers, Active Contributors, and Inactive Contributors. **Use recognition tools** Try the all-contributors specification to acknowledge various contribution types in your README. It's not just about code - think docs, support, and [community engagement](https://daily.dev/blog/community-engagement-key-for-developers) too. **Host community events** Bring people together with contributor summits, meetups, or coding sprints. It's a great way to strengthen bonds and celebrate contributions face-to-face. **Public recognition** Many projects use widgets to display contributor data. For example: - [Vue.js](https://github.com/vuejs) links to a GitHub page with code contribution data - [Webpack](https://webpack.js.org/) shows lists of monetary contributors from [OpenCollective](https://opencollective.com/) **Say "thanks" directly** A simple "thank you" goes a long way. Reach out via DM, email, or in person at conferences. **Highlight diverse contributions** Don't forget non-code contributions. Projects like [p5.js](https://p5js.org/) and [Snipe-IT](https://github.com/snipe/snipe-it) use All Contributors to recognize various types of help. **Consider financial support** If possible, set up options like [GitHub Sponsors](https://github.com/sponsors). It allows others to show appreciation financially. ## 10\. Ask for and Use Feedback Getting input from contributors is crucial for your open source project. Here's how to do it right: 1\. **Set up feedback channels** Create spaces for feedback: - [GitHub Discussions](https://docs.github.com/en/discussions) - Mailing lists - Community calls 2\. **Ask specific questions** Don't be vague. Ask things like: - "What was your biggest setup challenge?" - "How can we improve our docs for newbies?" 3\. **Use surveys smartly** Send short, focused surveys for quick data. Keep 'em brief to boost responses. 4\. **Track and organize input** Use a shared spreadsheet to log feedback. It helps prioritize and keeps things on track. > The [Open Organization](http://theopenorganization.org/) project sorted feedback into seven categories, from typos to new ideas. 5\. **Act on feedback** Make changes based on input. Show contributors their voice matters. 6\. **Be open to criticism** Not all feedback is praise. Use critiques to grow. 7\. **Thank contributors** Always acknowledge feedback, even if you can't use it. A simple "thanks" goes far. When giving feedback: - Focus on the work, not the person - Give clear, actionable tips - Link to relevant docs - Be patient with newbies > "Open source is way more about people than it'll ever be about code." - Shubheksha, Author Remember: Feedback is a two-way street. Listen and respond thoughtfully to build a strong community. ## Conclusion Open source projects live and die by their communities. Good onboarding is the secret sauce that keeps these ecosystems thriving. Want to boost your project's productivity? Here's what works: - Clear docs - A code of conduct - Contributor guidelines The numbers don't lie: - Projects with contribution guidelines? 17% more productive. - Ones with a README file? A whopping 55% boost. But it's not just paperwork. Tag about 25% of your issues as "Good First Issues" and watch new contributors jump by 13%. Communication is key. Quick responses and a big "thank you" go a long way. As Paul Copplestone from Supabase puts it: > "Fun and learning fuel newcomers' initial attraction to open source communities." Onboarding isn't a one-and-done deal. It's an ongoing process. Keep asking for feedback and tweaking your approach. Remember: Open source isn't just about code. It's about building a community that welcomes everyone. Jan Lehnardt, an Open Source Advocate, nails it: > "Care about the people first and their contributions second." So, take these tips and run with them. Your project (and your contributors) will thank you. ## FAQs ### How to be a contributor in open source projects? [Contributing to open source](https://app.daily.dev/posts/ax3QxS6q0) is simpler than you might think. Here's how to start: 1\. **Pick a project**: Choose one that matches your skills and interests. 2\. **Read the docs**: Check out the README and contribution guidelines. 3\. **Start small**: Look for "good-first-issue" or "beginner-friendly" tags. 4\. **Contribute**: You can: - Fix bugs or add features - Test and report issues - Improve documentation - Help with design or community management Remember, it's not just about code. As Jan Lehnardt puts it: > "Care about the people first and their contributions second." Don't be shy - ask for help if you need it. 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Here's how to start:\n\nPick a project: Choose one that matches your skills and interests.\nRead the docs: Check out the README and contribution guidelines.\nStart small: Look for \"good-first-issue\" or \"beginner-friendly\" tags.\nContribute: You can:\n\nFix bugs or add features\nTest and report issues\nImprove documentation\nHelp with design or community management\n\nRemember, it's not just about code. As Jan Lehnardt puts it:\n\nDon't be shy - ask for help if you need it. The open source community is usually friendly to newcomers who want to learn and pitch in."}}],"@id":"https://daily.dev/blog/open-source-contributor-onboarding-10-tips/#faq","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://daily.dev/blog/open-source-contributor-onboarding-10-tips/"}}]} ```