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FIRST-TIME CONTRIBUTOR GUIDE

New to GitHub? Start here.

You do not need to be a coder or understand Git commands to help. Use this guide to join a project, make a small contribution, or volunteer for maintenance.

Create a GitHub account ↗Browse HUHY projects →
GitHub is public.

Use publicly released, non-sensitive information only. Never post PII, PHI, CUI, credentials, internal screenshots, readiness or operational information, or material from a restricted system.

NO CODE REQUIRED

Help with research, writing, testing, design, or experience

  1. 01
    Create a free GitHub account

    Use a personal account. You do not need a government email, CAC, or special access.

  2. 02
    Choose a HUHY project

    Open Projects Seeking Contributors and pick a problem that lists a role you can help with.

  3. 03
    Open the project issue

    The issue is the public conversation for that project. Read the problem, sources, risk, and requested help.

  4. 04
    Leave a comment

    Say which role you can fill and suggest one small first task. A project lead can help shape the next step.

CODE OR DOCUMENT CHANGES

Make a change through review

  1. 01
    Start with the project issue

    Comment before writing code so the team can confirm the task is useful and not already underway.

  2. 02
    Fork the repository

    A fork is your own GitHub copy. It lets you work safely without changing the main project.

  3. 03
    Make one focused change

    GitHub's browser editor is enough for many documentation and small code changes. A command line is optional.

  4. 04
    Open a pull request

    A pull request asks the maintainers to review your change. Link the project issue and explain what you tested.

  5. 05
    Respond to review

    Questions and requested changes are normal. The contribution is not merged until a maintainer approves it.

COPY THIS INTO A PROJECT ISSUE

A simple introduction is enough.

Do not post a résumé, personal details, duty information, or anything that is not already public.

I'd like to help with: [role or task]

I can contribute: [brief public description]

A good first task for me could be: [small starting point]

Availability: [one-time help or ongoing]

I confirm I will use public, non-sensitive information only.

BECOMING A MAINTAINER

Maintenance is a commitment, not a title.

  1. Volunteer on the project issue and name the area you can own.
  2. State your realistic availability and whether backup is needed.
  3. Review the project's risk, source, release, and support expectations.
  4. The project lead or HUHY Steward confirms and records the ownership.
View projects needing maintainers →

PLAIN-LANGUAGE GLOSSARY

What the GitHub words mean

Repository
The project folder on GitHub: code, documents, history, and rules.
Issue
A public discussion used to define a problem, task, question, or decision.
Fork
Your personal copy of a repository.
Branch
A separate line of work inside a repository or fork.
Commit
A saved set of changes with a short explanation.
Pull request
A request for maintainers to review and possibly merge your changes.
Maintainer
A person responsible for review, releases, upkeep, and a defined area of ownership.

STILL NOT SURE?

Ask before you start.

Questions are welcome. Describe the kind of help you want to offer—without including sensitive information—and someone can point you toward an appropriate first step.

Ask in GitHub Discussions ↗