My First Hacktoberfest Journey

Intro

This was my first time participating in Hacktoberfest, and it was an incredible experience. As a Bachelor of Software Engineering student at The Open University of Sri Lanka, I was eager to dive into the world of open source and contribute to various projects. You can find me on LinkedIn if you'd like to connect.

rihamnazeer (MN Fathima Riham) · GitHub

Reading Software Engineering Degree at The Open University of Sri Lanka. - rihamnazeer

github.com

Project

During Hacktoberfest, I hosted a repository that aimed to provide a platform for beginners to make their first contributions to open source. The goal was to create a welcoming and educational environment where newcomers could learn about the contribution process and gain practical experience. You can check out the repository

rihamnazeer / Pearl-Of-The-Indian-Ocean

Welcome to the Sri Lanka Travel Guide Repository! This project is a web application designed to assist tourists in discovering the best places to visit in various districts of Sri Lanka.

Pearl Of The Indian Ocean
Responsive Tourist Website Project

Description

Welcome to our Sri Lanka Travel Guide! Discover the finest destinations in every district of this beautiful island nation. Our website blends stunning imagery with informative content, ensuring an immersive experience for all tourists.

Key Features

• District Highlights: Explore the top attractions in each district, handpicked for an unforgettable journey.

• To-Do List: Plan your upcoming days with our interactive To-Do section, powered by Vue.js. Easily note the places you wish to visit.

• Realistic Visuals: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Sri Lanka with captivating background images, detailed photos of the best places, and informative videos.

• Help & Feedback: Have questions or feedback? Our JavaScript-powered query system is at your service. Feel free to reach out for assistance.

• About Us: Learn more about our website and mission, and discover the passionate team behind it.

• Contact Us: Reach out to us with…

View on GitHub

To ensure a smooth process for reviewing and merging pull requests, I set up clear guidelines for contributions, documented the project's structure, and established a systematic review process. I wanted to make it as easy as possible for first-time contributors to get involved and understand the open-source ecosystem.

Highs and Lows

One of the biggest highs of this Hacktoberfest was seeing newcomers make their very first pull requests. It was a rewarding experience to guide them through the process and witness their excitement when their contributions were accepted. These were truly light-bulb moments, as they showcased the power of open source to educate and empower individuals.

However, there were challenges along the way. Some contributors encountered issues that seemed impossible to fix, often due to inexperience with Git or the project's codebase. In these cases, I adapted by providing detailed feedback, conducting code reviews, and offering mentorship to help contributors overcome obstacles. It was a valuable learning experience for both me and the contributors.

Growth

Before Hacktoberfest 2023, my skill set was primarily focused on web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React. However, during this Hacktoberfest, I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of technologies, from Dart and Java to Python and Ruby. This diversity of languages and technologies broadened my knowledge and improved my problem-solving skills.

As a result of hosting a project and assisting newcomers, my project goals have evolved. I am now more committed to creating a welcoming space for beginners in open source and providing them with the guidance they need to become successful contributors. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of inclusivity in open source and mentorship for those just starting their journey in software development.

In conclusion, my first Hacktoberfest was an enriching experience that not only allowed me to expand my skills but also reinforced my commitment to fostering a supportive and educational environment in open source. I'm excited to continue this journey and help others get started in the world of open source.