Get Ready for Hacktoberfest 2023!

5 min readAug 16, 2023

What is Hacktoberfest?
Preparing for Hacktoberfest
Making Meaningful Contributions
Hacktoberfest Etiquette
Celebrating Your Achievements
Conclusion
NEW UPDATE! (For Hacktoberfest 2023)

What is Hacktoberfest?

Hacktoberfest, the open source festival, is coming soon . . .

The digital world is abuzz with excitement as Hacktoberfest 2023 approaches. This annual event has become a global phenomenon, bringing together developers, programmers, and enthusiasts from all corners of the world to celebrate open source software and contribute to meaningful projects.

As the calendar inches closer to October, it’s time to prepare for another unforgettable month of collaboration, learning, and community building. Whether you’re a seasoned open source contributor or a newbie taking your first steps into the open source realm, this guide will help you get ready for Hacktoberfest 2023.

Preparing for Hacktoberfest

1. Choose Your Pathway

Before you dive into the coding frenzy, decide what kind of projects you’d like to contribute to. Whether it’s web development, machine learning, mobile apps, or libraries, there’s something for everyone. Platforms like GitHub and GitLab host countless open source projects that cater to various interests.

2. Set Up Your Environment

Ensure that you have a development environment that’s ready for action. This includes a code editor, a version control system (Git), and any necessary programming languages or frameworks. Familiarize yourself with the basics if you’re new to these tools.

3. Explore the Hacktoberfest Website

Visit the official Hacktoberfest website to register for the event. (https://hacktoberfest.com)

[Hacktoberfest is not updated yet for 2023. Still, you can see the Hacktoberfest 2022 website]

After the Hackertoberfest website is updated for 2023, create or log in to your account, and keep an eye on the latest updates, announcements, and guidelines.

4. Discover Projects

Use the Hacktoberfest website, GitHub search, or open source project directories to find projects that align with your interests. Look for projects with the “Hacktoberfest” and “good first issue” labels, which typically indicate beginner friendly tasks.

5. Read Contribution Guidelines

Before you start contributing, thoroughly read the project’s contribution guidelines. These guidelines provide essential information on coding standards, commit message formats and other project specific details.

Making Meaningful Contributions

1. Start Small

If you’re new to open source, it’s wise to begin with smaller, manageable tasks. These could include fixing typos, improving documentation, or making minor code enhancements.

2. Engage with the Community

Join the project’s communication channels, such as Discord servers, mailing lists or Slack groups. Engaging with the community can help you understand the project’s goals, get assistance when needed, and foster connections with other contributors.

3. Quality over Quantity

While Hacktoberfest encourages 4 PRs, focus on quality contributions rather than rushing to meet the quota. Meaningful and well tested PRs are more valuable to both you and the project maintainers.

4. Collaborate and Communicate

If you’re unsure about a certain aspect of the project or your contribution, don’t hesitate to ask questions. The open source community is built on collaboration and mutual assistance.

Hacktoberfest Etiquette

1. Respect the Maintainers and Contributors

Remember that open source projects are maintained by volunteers who invest their time and effort. Be respectful in your interactions and patient with your responses.

2. Avoid Spam and Low Quality Contributions

Hacktoberfest is not an opportunity for spamming or making trivial contributions solely for the sake of earning rewards. Aim for meaningful contributions that genuinely improve the project.

3. Follow the Code of Conduct

Every open source project has a Code of Conduct. Familiarize yourself with it and ensure your interactions and contributions align with these principles.

Celebrating Your Achievements

1. Submit Your PRs

Once you’ve completed your contributions, submit your PRs to the respective repositories. Remember to follow the project’s guidelines and adhere to best practices for PR creation.

2. Track Your Progress

Monitor your Hacktoberfest progress using your profile on the Hacktoberfest website. This will help you keep track of your PRs and ensure you’re eligible for the rewards.

3. Spread the Word

Share your Hacktoberfest journey on social media using the official hashtag #Hacktoberfest. It’s a great way to connect with fellow participants, showcase your contributions, and inspire others to join the open source movement.

4. Receive Your Rewards

If you successfully complete 4 valid PRs, you will have the option to choose either a Hacktoberfest Tshirt OR the option to have a tree planted in your name. You will not have the option to choose both reward options. However, if you want to plant a tree on your own, you can do so.

Conclusion

As Hacktoberfest 2023 draws near, the open source community is gearing up for another fantastic celebration of collaboration and innovation. Whether you’re an experienced contributor or someone taking your first steps into the world of open source, this event offers an opportunity to make a positive impact, learn from others, and be part of a global movement.

By preparing your development environment, selecting the right projects, and following best practices for contributions, you’re setting yourself up for a rewarding and fulfilling Hacktoberfest experience. So, get ready to dive in, learn, collaborate, and celebrate the spirit of open source in this October!