Want to learn programming? Contribute to open source.

I contributed to my first open source project in 2 years yesterday.

Open source is hard if you don't know what you're doing.

I didn't know what I was doing.

I made several mistakes including but not limited to:

• Screwing up my package management and not having the proper version of Node for the project.
• Getting lost in the Git workflow, which is one of the only easy things about Git that I have encountered.
• Getting discouraged to the point of tears.

Thankfully I am part of an awesome online community of developers: https://virtualcoffee.io

I know I would have given up if it hadn't been for the kindness of the people involved with this group.

Incidentally this months challenge for Virtual Coffee is Community Kindness.

I would say throughout my ordeal this quality was exemplified.

This is to say, open source contributions are about more than all the crazy esoteric steps involved. It is a real chance to build community and connect with others.

Thanks, VC, you the real MVP.