Chapter 2: Understanding an Open Source Repository
Opening an open source repository for the first time can feel overwhelming.
This guide helps you read a repository with intent, without trying to understand everything at once.
The goal is not mastery — it is orientation.
What This Guide Is About
This guide helps you:
- understand what a repository contains
- identify the important files
- locate where changes usually happen
- build a mental map of the project
You are learning how to navigate, not how to contribute yet.
Start With the README
The README is the primary entry point.
Read it to answer:
- What does this project do?
- Why does it exist?
- Who is it for?
- How is it used?
- How do people contribute?
If the README does not answer these questions, note the gaps.
Skim, Don’t Dive
You are not expected to read everything.
At this stage:
- skim headings
- ignore implementation details
- look for structure and intent
Depth comes later.
Understanding the File Tree
The file tree gives you a high-level view of the project.
Look for:
src/or equivalent (where the main code lives)docs/(long-form documentation)tests/or similar (testing strategy)- configuration files
- root-level documentation files
You are mapping, not memorizing.
Identifying the Entry Point
Most projects have a clear entry point.
This could be:
- a main file
- a CLI command
- an application bootstrap
- an exported API
Knowing where execution starts helps orient everything else.
Reading Documentation Beyond the README
Check for:
- additional documentation folders
- links in the README
- comments pointing to deeper explanations
Documentation often answers questions before issues do.
Understanding Project Scope Through Files
The presence or absence of certain files tells a story.
For example:
- many configs → complex setup
- many tests → quality emphasis
- many examples → user-focused design
Structure reflects priorities.
Exploring Issues to Understand Context
Issues reveal how the project evolves.
Look at:
- open issues
- recently closed issues
- how maintainers respond
- how discussions unfold
This helps you understand what the project values.
Looking at Recent Commits
Recent commits show:
- activity level
- areas under development
- commit style
- pace of change
You do not need to read the diffs yet.
Finding Contribution Guidelines
Look for:
CONTRIBUTING.md- instructions in the README
.github/templates
These files explain:
- how changes are proposed
- expectations for contributors
- review processes
Reading them early prevents mistakes later.
Understanding Tooling and Setup
Identify:
- required runtime versions
- package managers
- build tools
- test commands
You are not setting anything up yet — just noting requirements.
Accepting Partial Understanding
It is normal to feel lost.
At this stage:
- you do not understand everything
- you are not supposed to
- confusion is expected
Understanding grows through repetition and exposure.
What You Should Know Before Moving On
Before continuing, you should be able to answer:
- What does this project do?
- Where does the main code live?
- How do people usually interact with it?
- Where are discussions happening?
That is enough.
Reflection
Ask yourself:
- What parts of the repository feel clear?
- What parts feel confusing?
- What would you need explained better?
These questions guide future contributions.
You've Completed Chapter 2
Well done! You've learned about understanding an open source repository.