Launch Your Open Source Career: First Steps in Contributing to MariaDB

Abstract

Are you a student or aspiring developer looking to break into the tech industry? Contributing to open source projects like MariaDB is a fantastic way to gain real-world experience, build your portfolio, and connect with the global developer community.

In this practical and beginner-friendly session at MariaDB Day, you’ll learn everything you need to start contributing to MariaDB and other open-source projects. We’ll cover:

  • Navigating GitHub: How to clone repositories, fork projects, and create pull requests effectively.
  • Commit Practices: Tips for writing clear, meaningful commit messages and organizing your changes for review.
  • Licensing Basics: Understanding CLA requirements and BSD licensing to ensure your contributions align with project policies.
  • Finding Tasks: Identifying beginner-friendly issues and impactful areas to contribute.
  • Developer Communication: Where and how to interact with MariaDB developers, including forums, mailing lists, and chat platforms.
  • Coding Style and Tips: Mastering the MariaDB coding style and other tricks to make your contributions stand out.
Contributing to MariaDB Server is straightforward on GitHub

Whether you’re new to coding or a seasoned student looking to level up, this talk will give you the confidence and tools to start making valuable contributions to MariaDB and beyond. Take your first step toward an exciting career in open source!

Speaker: Vicențiu Ciorbaru – Chief Development Officer @ MariaDB Foundation