According to Wikipedia, Open-source software (OSS) is a type of computer software in which source code is released under a license in which the copyright holder grants users the right to use, study, change, and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. Open-source software may be developed in a collaborative public manner.
Why you should consider contributing to open source
Open source comes with the advantages of allowing the users to freely modify and integrate the work into their projects. It gives a way to freely exchange ideas with a like-minded community and contribute to the project you like.
Open source projects are a great way of developing quality products by working together with other developers. You create code that benefits the community. That feature you needed so badly in your project, fork the repository, and add the code yourself to enable it. It’s an amazing feeling!
You might not be aware of it, but you use some form of open-source software every single day.
Code more, learn more!
The best way to learn to program is to do more programming! Another way that is also important is to watch other developers code. Open Source is a way to get both the benefits. All code is available publicly, so everybody can fetch it, read it, change it, and learn from each other. By watching other developer's code, you can learn to improve your coding style. You might get to know about the best practices others are using.
A better understanding of technology
Individuals who contribute to an open-source project get to know the technology at a much deeper level. It helps in strengthening the understanding of the project. For example, if you are contributing to React or Vue, then you may get to understand the framework at a much deeper level than others.
Payback to the community
By working on a project used by the community, you’re improving the quality of work for everyone. You are making a better world for everyone. The knowledge that you have acquired by creating that framework or tool is of great value. Also, the major aspect of open-source involvement is certainly making things for others. The project you have developed can be used by other people in their daily life. I could solve their real-life problems.
Build an outstanding portfolio
It doesn’t matter to a great extent if you have commercial experience or not, your GitHub Profile is your business card and the most important highlight in your resume. It shows your interests, skills, and motivation. It shows how actively involved you are in the community. It shows your passion for code.
Gain recognition and build great connections
You can also gain recognition among the community. You can make great connections, exchange ideas, work on them, and grow as a developer. Imagine you want to start working on a new Open Source Project but it's going to take a lot of time and effort from your side. You have to write the code, test it, deploy it, do bug fixes, track issues. Its a lot. Wouldn't it be great if you can find some other like-minded developers who also want to work on the project. That's one of the main benefits of open source. You can work collaboratively with others.
Turn your ideas into the life
Do you have your ideas and are passionate to convert them into reality. If you are passionate about what you’re building, you will probably succeed. I would also help if you can find a few more like-minded developers who also contribute to the project and make the work more fun, engaging, and task-focused. That's where the connections made(as explained in the above point) helps.
Gain Early Experience
If you are a college student or an intern, then you can gain early experience by contributing to Open-source. It does not demands any previous industry experience or a certain position to contribute. That's the power of Open Source. The only requirement for contributing is that you can code(does not require you to be an expert) and solve problems.
Helps in writing cleaner code
When you are contributing to open source, you have to adhere to certain code guidelines set by the maintainers of the repo. You also see how other developers are writing their piece of code. It helps you in writing cleaner code.
Greater Job Prospects
Contributing to OSS can help you increase your chances of landing an internship and also improve your chances of getting a job. Many tech companies prefer to have a look at your GitHub Profile. When they receive a CV from an applicant, they usually skim over the sheets of paper and spend more time investigating the applicant’s GitHub Profile.
The fact that OSS is visible to the public means that prospective employers can inspect your code and assess your skills as a developer based on the code you have written.
Reduces development costs
Open source contribution is a huge help to reduce development costs. Open source contributors provide the opportunity to the organization to take ideas, suggestions, and help from developers outside of their team, thereby reducing development costs.
So, start contributing to Open Source today. Here is a great article from FreeCodeCamp to get you started :-
The Definitive Guide to Contributing to Open Source
Do let me know if I have missed anything. I am always willing to learn.