
Gitcaos is a playground of Git and Github, made for you to learn in practice. Here, you can test and make a mistake, without fear of making mistakes, while dominating the best code versioning and collaborative contributions. It is the ideal space for developing their skills in a safe and realistic environment.
Open Source is a collaborative development model, where the source code of a project is available publicly. This means that anyone can see, modify and contribute to the project. The goal is to promote knowledge exchange and the construction of software in a community way. Contributing to Open Source projects is a great way to learn, practice new skills and, of course, help improve tools and technologies that we often use in everyday life.
At Gitcaos, you will have the opportunity to practice just that: collaborative development. By simulating an Open Source environment, this repository offers a space for you to learn to browse real projects, understand how to contribute and gain valuable experience.
By participating, you learn Git and Github in practice as you experience the dynamics of an Open Source project. This helps improve your technical skills and, at the same time, contributes to improving software that impact thousands of people around the world.
When you access an Open Source repository, in addition to the project files you would already expect, it usually includes some important files that are in the "main folder" of the repository (also called Raíz folder). These files are essential for understanding and contributing to the project, helping to maintain code organization and guiding those who want to participate.
Serves as an introduction to the project. It explains what the project does, how to configure it locally, and brings instructions for use. It is the first place where you should look to understand the purpose of the repository and how it works.
The readme.md is the starting point of any repository. It provides an overview of the project and usually includes:
Explain how you can contribute to the project. Each repository can have its own rules and processes for submission of contributions (such as Pull Requests), formatting of commits, or even specific tools that should be used. Reading this file is crucial to ensuring that your contribution follows the standards expected by the project.
Contributing.MD contains the specific guidelines to contribute to the project. Each repository can have its own rules, such as:
This file helps ensure that all contributions are consistent and according to what the project's maintainer or team team expects. It is critical for you to know exactly how to proceed and avoid common problems, saving time.
While readme.md is aimed at those who want to understand the project and start using it, contributing.md is focused on who wants to contribute, explaining the necessary steps for it.
This is one of the most important files in any Open Source project. It defines under what conditions you can use, modify and distribute the code. The license clarifies the rights and responsibilities of employees and users. Some of the most common open source licenses include:
MIT: Allows almost full freedom for use and modification of code, with few restrictions. It only requires the original license to be maintained in modified versions.
GPL (GNU General Public License): Ensures that any modification or redistribution of the code maintains the same license, ensuring that the software remains open source.
Apache 2.0: Allows the use, modification and distribution of the code with some additional protections, such as exemption from patent responsibility.
Understanding the project license is crucial to knowing how you can interact with the code. For example, if you can use it in your own business projects or if there is any requirement to share improvements you make.
If you want to learn more about licenses and how to choose the right for your project, visit https://choosealicense.com, a site that simply explains the differences between licenses and helps you select the most appropriate.
The Code_OF_Conduct.md file establishes the expected behavioral guidelines for all participants in our community. He seeks to ensure an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment, promoting mutual respect and collaboration.
These guidelines are essential to maintain a space in which everyone can contribute and learn, regardless of their origins or experiences. We hope everyone will follow these norms and help strengthen a culture of respect and support within the community.
Now that you have read Readme.md, you have read the code of conduct and know the guidelines for interacting in the community and understood the purpose of the project, the next step is to prepare to contribute! In the case of Open Source projects, after the initial reading, you should always check the Contribut.MD file.
So the tip is: Read the contributing.md before you start making changes!
Whether in a simple project like Gitcaos, or any other Open Source repository, following this process is the way to make your first contributions successfully.
Next Step: Read the Contribut.MD file?
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