Getting Started with
Open Source
Your trusted partner for taking your project from closed to open.
This guide will help you understand the fundamentals, prepare your project, and release it publicly with confidence.
Why Go Open Source?
Open source is more than code — it's a mindset. When you make your project open, you:
Encourage transparency and collaboration
Attract contributors and grow a community
Build credibility for your work or product
Create opportunities for learning and visibility
Your Open Source Experience
Assess Readiness
Before going public, review your repository and make sure it's ready to be shared.
Quick checklist
- Your code is clean and free of sensitive data (API keys, credentials, etc.)
- You've removed all private or company-specific information
- The documentation is understandable by someone outside your team
- The project builds and runs without internal dependencies
- You've discussed ownership and licensing with your team
Choose the Right License
A license defines how others can use, modify, and distribute your code. Without one, your project is not legally open source.
Popular choices
MIT
Simple and permissive. Ideal for personal and startup projects.
Apache 2.0
Adds patent protection. Common for corporate or large-scale use.
GPLv3
Requires derivatives to remain open. Used for community-driven tools.
Once selected, create a file named LICENSE at the root of your repository.
Document Everything
Good documentation is the heart of a healthy open-source project. It lowers the entry barrier for newcomers and encourages contributions.
Essential files to include
README.mdThe face of your project. Explains what it is, how to use it, and why it matters.
CONTRIBUTING.mdGuides people on how to propose changes or new features.
CODE_OF_CONDUCT.mdDefines acceptable behavior in your community.
SECURITY.mdExplains how to report vulnerabilities responsibly.
Optional but recommended: add issue and pull request templates in .github/.
Structure Your Repository
A clear structure helps others explore and contribute confidently.
Example layout
my-project/
├── src/
├── tests/
├── docs/
├── README.md
├── LICENSE
├── CONTRIBUTING.md
├── CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md
└── SECURITY.mdKeep it simple. The goal is clarity — not complexity.
Build for Collaboration
Once your project is public, you're not just sharing code — you're inviting people to join your journey.
Best practices
- Use Issues and Pull Requests on GitHub to manage contributions
- Label beginner-friendly tasks with tags like 'good first issue'
- Automate checks (linting, tests) to maintain quality
- Be kind and responsive — community health starts with communication
Manage Security & Maintenance
Opening your code also means maintaining it responsibly.
Recommendations
- Add a SECURITY.md file with a private contact for disclosures
- Regularly review dependencies for vulnerabilities
- Automate tests and CI/CD if possible
- Communicate updates clearly through releases or changelogs
Share and Grow
Your open-source journey doesn't end with the release — it starts there.
- Announce your project on social media and developer platforms
- Tag your repo with relevant topics (e.g., 'open-source', 'nextjs', 'community')
- Engage with early contributors — they are your first advocates
- Consider joining the OST Verified Program for visibility and recognition
Additional Resources
Official Open Source Guides
https://opensource.guide
Community Health Files
https://docs.github.com/en/communities/setting-up-your-project-for-healthy-contributions
Choosing a License
https://choosealicense.com
Accessibility Checklist
https://www.a11yproject.com/checklist/
Contributor Covenant
https://www.contributor-covenant.org/
