Choose Your Open Source Program
Select the open source contribution program that's right for you
🌟 Welcome to Open Source Contribution!
Ready to start your journey in open source? Choose the program that best fits your goals and timeline.
New to Open Source?
Don't worry! Each program has comprehensive guides designed for absolute beginners. We'll walk you through every step of making your first contribution.
🎯 Choose Your Program
🎃 Hacktoberfest
Month-long celebration in October. Complete 4 pull requests and earn exclusive swag!
☀️ Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
12+ week paid program for students and beginners. Work with mentors on real projects.
🚀 Other Programs
Explore more open source contribution opportunities throughout the year.
📊 Program Comparison
| Program | Duration | Eligibility | Compensation | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hacktoberfest | October (1 month) | Everyone | Swag & Digital Rewards | Annual - October |
| Google Summer of Code | 12+ weeks | Students & Beginners | Stipend ($1,500-$6,600) | Annual - March-November |
| Other Programs | Varies | Varies | Varies | Year-round |
🎓 What You'll Learn
No matter which program you choose, you'll gain valuable skills:
Git & GitHub
Version control and collaboration
Code Review
Professional development practices
Open Source Culture
Community engagement and contribution
Real-World Projects
Hands-on experience with production code
🤔 Which Program is Right for You?
Choose Hacktoberfest if you:
- ✅ Want to get started quickly
- ✅ Prefer short-term commitments
- ✅ Are available in October
- ✅ Want to contribute to multiple projects
- ✅ Are looking for a beginner-friendly introduction
Choose Google Summer of Code if you:
- ✅ Are a student or beginner developer
- ✅ Want mentorship from experienced developers
- ✅ Can commit 12+ weeks during summer
- ✅ Want to work on a substantial project
- ✅ Are interested in earning a stipend
Explore Other Programs if you:
- ✅ Want year-round opportunities
- ✅ Are looking for specific technologies or organizations
- ✅ Have different time commitments
- ✅ Want to explore various contribution models
🚀 Ready to Start?
Click on any program above to access comprehensive guides, tutorials, and resources tailored to that specific program.
Pro Tip
You can participate in multiple programs! Many developers contribute to Hacktoberfest in October and apply for GSoC in the spring.
Made with ❤️ for the open source community by AryanVBW