Top Open Source Projects for Beginners
Updated on Feb 07, 2025 | 22 min read | 83.8k views
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Updated on Feb 07, 2025 | 22 min read | 83.8k views
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Are you a college-going student or a working professional looking for career advancements? Many of you know all the theoretical concepts but lack hands-on experience. The emerging software industry demands employees with a strong skill set. You can look for open source projects to contribute to in order to put what you've learned into practice. These projects are crucial in determining the course of technical advancement in this cutthroat environment.
Opensource projects give an unbeatable chance to collaborate with developers from all around the world. It provides a chance to solve real-world problems. That is much required to secure a good place in any reputed tech company. When you explore open source projects to contribute, you will get a platform for skill development and significant contributions. All you have to do is improve code, fix bugs, and sometimes build features.
This article will help you understand why open-source contributions are important. It will guide you through beginner-friendly open source projects. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!
The only distinction between open and closed source is that the permissions are different, not the code. Suppose you are the owner; you can sell the same application in two ways. The first way is to sell it to one client as proprietary (closed source, with very few rights). The second way is to sell it to another as open source (with everything except ownership rights).
Open-source projects involve free software solutions in which one may view, use, modify, and distribute source code. As they are mainly driven by community involvement and based on transparency, such projects invite developers from around the world. These developers contribute and build the code base together.
Open-source software is free to use rather than having its code hidden behind a paywall or proprietary license. The best open source projects for beginners promote education, collaboration, and advancement in learning.
Participating in open-source projects has various advantages for developers. It improves their career skills and enhances their portfolio and reputation. Developers can showcase their abilities and dedication to the tech community by contributing to open-source and well-known projects. Additionally, it provides opportunities to network and learn from other developers.
Closed-source projects, on the other hand, make their source code proprietary, and this means no one can access it. Contributions and modifications are under the control of specific organizations or individuals.
Closed-source software frequently provides better user interfaces and an overall better user experience. As the source code isn't made public, security vulnerabilities are typically more difficult to discover. Businesses and organizations frequently adopt closed-source software because it might offer a more dependable and stable solution than open-source software.
The following table will help you to understand the clear differences between opensource projects and closed-source projects:
Parameters |
Open Source |
Closed Source |
Transparency |
It is completely transparent and available for all. |
Proprietary and hidden codes. |
Community Collaboration |
Anyone is allowed to contribute. |
The collaboration is restricted to approved developers. |
Cost |
Use and modification are free. |
It often requires licensing costs. |
Flexibility |
It is highly customizable. |
Customization of closed source is constrained or limited. |
Check out this upGrad blog to explore the Top 3 Open Source Projects for C (For Beginners To Try ).
For newcomers, open-source projects are an excellent way to put their knowledge to use in practical situations. The following list of the top 25 open-source projects will help you start your journey of contributing to open source:
The freeCodeCamp open-source project aims to help students and professionals code for free. This platform provides coding classes and certificates in web programming, data science, machine learning, and other fields. All of these can help you develop open-source software as a beginner. As a newbie, you can start by updating content or enhancing the platform’s functionality.
The skills and technologies for freeCodeCamp open source contributions are as follows:
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
HTML, CSS |
You can start your web development journey with HTML tutorials. Check out this CSS tutorial to learn the basics and advanced CSS concepts. |
React, Node.js |
JavaScript, React, and Node.js are all covered in upGrad's Full Stack Web Development course for an in-depth education. |
First Contributions offers an easy-to-follow tutorial on open source contributions to assist you in submitting your first pull request. You can also learn how to fork and clone the repository. Additionally, you discover how to make a branch and commit changes. It's a great place to start practicing project participation.
The following are the skills and technologies for the First Contributions open-source project:
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Git/Github |
Learn Git from scratch by exploring the blog on “Git Tutorial for Beginners.” |
Appwrite is a collection of Docker microservices that Serves as an end-to-end backend server for web, mobile, native, or backend applications. It abstracts the complexity and repetition needed to create a contemporary backend API from scratch, enabling faster, more secure app creation.
You can easily integrate the database into your app with Appwrite. From a database for storing and accessing user and team data or storage and file management to Cloud Functions, you can perform image manipulation using Appwrite.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Typescript |
Learn Typescrit essentials with upGrad 's Typescrit Tutorials to start your open-source project. |
PHP |
You can check this PHP tutorial to master PHP concepts. |
Docker, Kubernetes |
Docker and Kubernetes, two crucial tools for backend contributions, are covered in upGrad 's Cloud Computing certification courses. |
Thinking about how to start with open source easily and interestingly? You can try this project. LinkFree is used to manage and enhance individual profiles inside a link repository. As a newbie, you can help by introducing new features and improving user interfaces.
You can contribute to this project in three ways: first, by making modifications to the main LinkFree project; second, by creating new templates; and last, by simply sharing LinkFree.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
HTML, CSS |
To create a new template, you can begin with upGrad’s HTML Tutorials. Explore the CSS tutorial to style your template. |
JavaScript |
An interactive web page requires JavaScript. Enroll in upGrad's Full Stack Web Development course for an in-depth JavaScript education. |
An open-source habit-building application called Habitica employs gamification to keep users motivated and treats life like a role-playing game. Want to contribute code to Habitica? Beginners can help by improving UI/UX, fixing bugs, or adding new features. You must know what a UX designer does. Their repository also has a "Help Wanted" label where they seek assistance with various issues.
The following are the skills and technologies for the Habitica open-source project:
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
HTML, CSS |
By completing the HTML Tutorials and CSS tutorial, you will be able to understand the interface of Habitica. |
Vue |
Take a look at our beginner-friendly Vue JS Tutorial. It can help you in fixing Habitica’s bugs. |
JavaScript |
Enroll in upGrad's Full Stack Web Development course for an in-depth JavaScript education. |
Oppia is an open-source community project for creating interactive educational materials. Explorations are interactive exercises that can be readily created and shared by anyone using Oppia. These exercises allow students to learn by doing while receiving feedback by simulating a one-on-one conversation with a tutor. As a beginner, you can help by developing classes, improving the platform, or enhancing the user experience.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Python |
The online Data Science course covers Python basic as well as advanced concepts. |
Typescript |
Learn Typescrit essentials with upGrad 's Typescrit Tutorials to start enhancing the user experience of Oppia. |
HTML |
You can start your HTML Tutorials to understand Oppia’s website better. |
CSS |
The layout and features of Oppia can be modified using CSS. Visit this CSS tutorial to learn from the basics to advanced CSS concepts. |
The only modern team chat app that supports both live and asynchronous conversations is Zulip. It is the largest and most rapidly expanding open-source team chat project. Zulip offers real-time communication and robust threading capabilities. Novices can participate by working on both frontend and backend tasks.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Python |
Most of the Zulip code is written in Zulip. Explore the online Data Science course that covers basic Python as well as advanced concepts. |
Typescript |
Learn Typescrit essentials with upGrad 's Typescrit Tutorials to start your open source project. |
HTML |
You can start your web development journey with HTML Tutorials. |
CSS |
You can check this CSS tutorial to learn from the basics to advanced CSS concepts. |
JavaScript |
JavaScript, React, and Node.js are all covered in upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course for an in-depth education. |
This is one of the top open-source projects of 2025. Public APIs are a collection of free APIs that developers can incorporate into their apps. You can leverage a wide range of publicly available APIs from many domains for your products. Think of it as a wealth of APIs that the community has carefully curated over the years. Contributions from newbies can take the form of updating, classifying, or creating new APIs.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Python |
Learn Python, a flexible language for developing and integrating APIs by enrolling in a Data Science course. |
Shell |
Visit the blog on Shell Scripting to understand the concepts as it is required for API automation. |
One of the well-known open-source coding initiatives, OpenLibrary, was started in 2006 with the goal of creating "one web page for every book ever published." The initiative is a component of the Internet Archive's endeavor to classify books and make their contents accessible to the general public. OpenLibrary gives users access to a large number of out-of-print and public domain books. You can help by fixing bugs, increasing metadata accuracy, or improving search capabilities.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Python |
This Data Science course covers Python concepts useful for OpenLibrary’s bug fixing and metadata. |
Vue |
Take a look at our beginner-friendly Vue JS Tutorial. Enhance OpenLibrary’s front-end features. |
HTML |
Understand the foundation of OpenLibrary by mastering HTML with HTML Tutorials. |
Shell |
Visit the blog on Shell Scripting to use it for backend task automation. |
JavaScript |
For OpenLibrary’s dynamic features, complete upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course. |
A popular machine learning library for deep learning applications is called PyTorch. This open-source project is a carefully organized collection of books, articles, videos, libraries, projects, tutorials, and everything else pertaining to the amazing PyTorch. Contributions from newcomers can take the form of tutorial writing, data work, or fixing beginner-friendly problems.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Python |
The Online Data Science course covers Python, the core language for PyTorch. |
Deep Learning |
Contribute effectively to PyTorch after mastering AI and deep learning. Enroll in Post Graduate Certificate Course in Machine Learning and Deep Learning (Executive). |
Founded in 2017, 30 Seconds of Code is the easiest project for open-source development for beginners. It is an easily accessible, excellent knowledge base for developers of all experience levels. It is a collection of practical JavaScript snippets that are understandable in 30 seconds or less. By teaching individuals to code, 30 Seconds of Code aims to increase access to software creation and support the growth of the open-source community. Novices can contribute by enhancing existing snippets or adding new ones.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
JavaScript |
Write high-quality JavaScript codes. Understand JavaScript with upGrad's Full Stack Web Development course. |
Microsoft created VS Code, an open-source code editor. Due to its developer-friendly features and extensibility, it is one of the most popular open-source projects. On this project page, Microsoft shares its roadmap, monthly iteration plans, and endgame plans, as well as works on code and issues. Everyone has access to the source code under the standard MIT license. Beginners can contribute by improving the main functionality or developing new extensions.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Typescript |
Learn Typescrit essentials with upGrad 's Typescrit Tutorials because many VS extensions are built on this. |
HTML |
Master the web-based features of VS code with HTML Tutorials. |
CSS |
Learn advanced styling of web-based VS code with CSS tutorial. |
JavaScript |
You can also build interactive extensions using JavaScript. It is covered in upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course. |
One of the most popular machine learning frameworks is TensorFlow. The TensorFlow Models project provides a collection of examples and pre-trained models that may be utilized with TensorFlow. This repository also contains a variety of state-of-the-art (SOTA) model implementations. The most basic ways to contribute are creating tutorials, producing documentation, or refining models.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Python |
The Data Science course covers basic Python which is crucial for TensorFlow models. |
C++ |
For optimized performance of the model, enhance your problem-solving skills by completing this C++ Course. |
Shell |
Visit the blog on Shell Scripting and learn how to automate TensorFlow workflows. |
Machine Learning |
TensorFlow is a machine learning framework. Master in ML with the Post Graduate Certificate Course in Machine Learning and Deep Learning (Executive). |
The open-source reference management tool JabRef is used for citations and bibliographies. The user interface technology, JavaFX, is used in its Java implementation. In addition to being actively developed, JabRef is freely accessible. Every stage of your research process is supported by it. You can experience advanced filter and search features. The MIT license governs its use, and you can contribute by adding features or fixing bugs.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Java |
Java is introduced for front-end and back-end work in upGrad 's Full Stack Development certification course. |
Python |
Learn Python for back-end scripting, and explore this data science course. |
CSS |
Enhance the UI styling of JabRef with the help of CSS tutorials. |
Machine Learning |
Boost your advanced research technique and enroll in a Post Graduate Certificate Course in Machine Learning and Deep Learning (Executive). |
2D and 3D games can be made with the open-source Godot Engine game engine. Users don't have to start from scratch because it provides a large selection of basic tools. With Godot Engine open source collaboration, you can directly focus on creating games. Because Godot is completely independent and community-driven, users can help design their engines to suit their specifications.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
C++ |
Improve your game-development skills by completing this C++ Course. |
Java |
Java is useful for Godot Engine scripting. Master Java in upGrad 's Full Stack Development certification course. |
C |
Learn the importance of C programming in modern game development with this C Tutorial. |
C# |
Improve your practical knowledge and build some game-specific C# projects. Visit our article on Top C# projects in 2025 to learn more. |
This open source programming project consists of a list of React projects, such as Whisper, Milan, DripUI, Noteslify, and others. You can select your personal favorite from the list and start modifying the features.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
React |
Master React development in upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course for an in-depth education. |
One of the open source initiatives for managing containerized apps across several hosts is called Kubernetes, or K8s. It offers tools for application growth, maintenance, and deployment. Contributions are welcome to improve the command-line tools.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Go |
With the help of this Go language session, you should be able to understand Go's characteristics and how it differs from other languages. |
Shell |
Visit the blog on Shell Scripting to understand the concepts and automate tasks. |
One initiative that makes creating documentation websites easier is called Docusaurus. To better scale and serve numerous open source initiatives at Meta, they published Docusaurus. They anticipate that the project will also benefit other organizations.
Contributing to open source with Docusaurus is easy. To learn how to suggest bug fixes and enhancements, you can refer to the "contributing guide." Moreover, you can also learn how to construct and evaluate your Docusaurus modifications.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Typescript |
Learn Typescrit essentials with upGrad 's Typescrit Tutorials to build Docusaurus tools. |
CSS |
You can check this CSS tutorial to create engaging Docusaurus designs. |
Ansible is an open-source IT automation engine that simplifies a number of IT-related processes, such as application deployment, provisioning, and configuration management. As a contribution, you can create a development environment that includes Ansible collections and associated Python dependencies. Users can use it for free, and the project gains from the knowledge and expertise of thousands of contributors.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Python |
To better understand Python dependencies, complete upGrad’s data science course. |
JavaScript |
JavaScript’s automation scripting is covered in upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course. |
Go |
With the help of this Go language session, you should be able to understand Go's characteristics and how it can help in Ansible automation tasks. |
Shell |
Visit the blog on Shell Scripting to understand the concepts and applications. |
Homebrew is a macOS package manager that allows you to use your terminal to install open-source and free apps. It can also install Python, Ruby, Node.js, and other full-stack developer tools. You can contribute to Homebrew's open source learning projects in many ways, from updating the documentation to introducing new packages or maintaining existing ones.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
HTML |
You can understand Homebrew web structures with HTML Tutorials. |
JavaScript |
Complete upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course to understand the Hombrew Node.js developer tool. |
Shell |
Visit the blog on Shell Scripting if you want to contribute to scripting and documentation. |
A framework called Eidolon AI is used to build and control networked AI agents. There is no need to create unique networking layers because Eidolon manages agent-to-agent communication and aids in agent configuration quickly. You can consider it one of the open source learning projects. A list of suitable initial issues for new contributors is maintained and kept up to date. You can look through that list, ask questions directly, or send a message on Discord.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Python |
Master Python to understand the layers coding. The online data science course covers basic Python and advanced concepts. |
Artificial Intelligence |
upGrad stands out as the greatest option for anyone looking to learn AI because of its emphasis on AI certification courses with hands-on learning. |
AI/ML models can be packaged and shared more easily using KitOps. To save time and storage space, you can even unpack a ModelKit selectively. It allows team members to take only the items they need for a given activity. You may help by adding features to improve model versioning or by streamlining deployment processes. Refer to their Contributor's Guide for more information on how to get started and the various ways you can contribute.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Go |
With the help of this Go language session, you should be able to understand Go's characteristics and how it is used in ModelKit. |
Shell |
Visit the blog on Shell Scripting to understand the concepts and applications. |
Machine Learning |
Advance in ML models. Enroll in a Post Graduate Certificate Course in Machine Learning and Deep Learning (Executive). |
Mermaid is a program that uses markdown-like syntax to create flowcharts and diagrams. JavaScript serves as its foundation. Mermaid's primary goal is to assist documentation in keeping up with advancements. The Mermaid community is always expanding and welcomes new members. They're always searching for more hands, and there are many different ways to contribute. Enhancing the diagram rendering process is a good place to start.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
Typescript |
Learn Typescrit essentials with upGrad 's Typescrit Tutorials to start a new diagramming capability. |
JavaScript |
Build an interactive Mermaid tool with JavaScript. Explore upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course for an in-depth education. |
HTML |
You can start your web structuring journey with HTML Tutorials. |
Vue |
Design dynamic interfaces of Mermaid with Vue. Take a look at our beginner-friendly Vue JS Tutorial. |
Storybook is a tool for creating separate user interface elements. Thousands of teams use it for documentation, testing, and UI development. It includes numerous add-ons for component design, documentation, testing, interactivity, and other areas. Contributors to this open-source project can use any Node.js version manager.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
React |
Master UI development with upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course. |
Typescript |
Learn Typescrit essentials with upGrad 's Typescrit Tutorials to streamline Storybook add-ons. |
JavaScript |
Learn JavaScript for component interaction in upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course. |
JavaScript, HTML, and CSS can be used to create cross-platform desktop apps with the Electron framework. Visual Studio Code and numerous other applications use it, and it is built on top of Node.js and Chromium. Beginners can help by improving documentation, creating features, or resolving bugs. The Contributor Covenant code of conduct is followed in this project, and you must adhere to this code to participate.
Programming Languages/Technologies/Skills required |
How upGrad Can Help |
C++ |
Improve Electron’s core performance by completing this C++ Course. |
Typescript |
Create advanced Electron features after learning Typescrit essentials with upGrad 's Typescrit Tutorials. |
Node.js |
Node.js is crucial for Electron’s backend functionality. It is covered in upGrad 's Full Stack Web Development course. |
Open source collaborations go beyond code writing. These projects offer numerous benefits, such as opportunities to develop technical skills and engage with global communities. They also allow you to create meaningful solutions, enhancing your career prospects.
Open source community projects allow you to develop real-world skills by working with actual codebases and solving real-world problems. Unlike conventional learning approaches, open source projects push you to tackle practical issues.
Some projects require building useful applications or collaborating with other developers. These experiences help bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing you for industry challenges.
Because open source projects bring together developers from around the globe, they offer a unique opportunity for cross-cultural learning. You can collaborate with a developer on the opposite side of the globe as you sit in your own little corner.
This gives you the opportunity to work with experts from different fields, learn from their approaches, and exchange ideas. This type of global exposure facilitates the building of a strong professional network.
The more projects you contribute to, the stronger your resume becomes. These open source learning projects demonstrate technical proficiency and support the development of soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving.
Your practical experience sets you apart from others, increasing your chances of securing relevant tech jobs. A substantial number of open source contributions can make your profile stand out.
Open source programs allow you to improve products and platforms you already rely on. Enhancing existing software or implementing new features benefits others and helps create a sense of community.
By contributing, you help ensure high-quality software is accessible to everyone, modernizing technology and fostering innovation.
Are you prepared to develop your abilities and change the world? Explore upGrad’s blog on Top 15+ Open SourceProject Repositories on GitHub. Start your open-source journey now!
Getting started with open source may feel overwhelming, but it’s achievable with a step-by-step approach and consistent effort. Begin small, stay curious, and make an impact as you progress.
Choose projects that align with your interests or skills. GitHub simplifies this process by labeling tasks with labels like "good first issue" or "help wanted," making it easier to identify beginner-friendly tasks.
These tasks allow you to familiarize yourself with the workflow while contributing meaningfully to the project. Once comfortable, you can take on larger features or tackle more complex problems.
Every open source project has specific rules for contributions, outlined in its contribution guidelines. These guidelines explain processes like coding standards, reporting bugs, or submitting changes. Take the time to review and understand them before contributing. Contributions succeed when they come from thoughtful and helpful individuals who respect the community’s practices.
Mastering version control tools like Git and GitHub is essential for effective open source contributions. Git tracks code changes, manages development, and resolves conflicts easily. You must know Github and how to use it. GitHub is the go-to platform for code review, collaboration, and contribution submission. Familiarity with these tools is indispensable for managing open source projects efficiently.
Begin with smaller contributions, such as fixing minor bugs, updating documentation, or correcting typos. These seemingly simple tasks help you understand the codebase and project processes. As you gain confidence, progress to adding features or solving complex issues. Gradual involvement helps you grow while making meaningful contributions.
upGrad designs courses that incorporate advancements in the open-source community. Whether you aim to learn Git, enhance your programming skills, or explore the latest technologies, upGrad offers courses tailored for everyone. These programs provide industry-standard training, real-world projects, and professional mentorship to help you contribute confidently and effectively. Contact our expert counselors to explore your options!
Are you prepared to grow and contribute? Explore upGrad 's online tech certification courses to get your open-source adventure started right now!
Contributions to open source are much less about technology and more about professional and personal development. Taking part in such activities exposes you to a global network of developers and provides valuable professional experience. It gives you achievements that you can showcase on your resume while also offering a way to share your knowledge and improve the technology you use daily. Contributing, in turn, enriches the IT community immensely.
Regardless of your level of experience, there is always room to learn new things and contribute to open-source community projects. Act immediately to uncover a wide range of opportunities beyond coding.
Begin your adventure now. Enroll in the Master of Design in User Experience Course and take advantage of the countless opportunities provided by this expert-led certification course.
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