So, you’ve heard the term open source thrown around, and now you’re wondering, “What is this magical thing, and how do I get started?” Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down in a way that won’t make your head spin.

What is Open Source?

Open source is like a giant group project where everyone can see, use, and contribute to the code. The best part? It’s not like your college group projects where one person does all the work while the rest just vibe. In open source, everyone pitches in (or at least, they’re supposed to).

In simple terms:

• The code is public.
• Anyone can contribute.
• It’s all about collaboration and community.

Think of it as a global coding party where everyone’s invited.

Why Does Open Source Matter for GSoC?

GSoC is all about contributing to open-source projects. It’s your gateway to working on real-world software, collaborating with experienced developers, and making an impact. Plus, it’s a great way to learn, grow, and build your profile.

How Does Open Source Work?

Here’s the TL;DR version:

1. Repositories: Open-source projects live in repositories (repos) on platforms like GitHub or GitLab. Think of a repo as a folder containing all the project’s files and history.
2. Issues: These are tasks or bugs that need fixing. They’re like a to-do list for the project.
3. Pull Requests (PRs): When you fix an issue or add something new, you submit a PR. This is how you contribute to the project.