The shortage of open source contributors is a reality, with only 17% of developers consistently active in contributing.
Contributions beyond code, such as writing docs, triaging issues, and providing feedback, play a crucial role in supporting open source projects.
Common blockers for developers contributing to open source include fear of judgment, low confidence, lack of guidance, language barriers, and time constraints.
The lack of new contributors in open source can lead to project stagnation, maintainer burnout, and the loss of support for critical technologies.
Encouraging more developers to contribute can unlock lost potential for innovation and ensure the sustainability of open source projects.
Creating welcoming environments, improving documentation, offering beginner-friendly tasks, and providing constructive feedback are key to attracting and retaining contributors.
Projects like Vue.js, p5.js, and OpenRefine exemplify good practices in engaging contributors and supporting a diverse community.
Contributing to open source is not just about code but also about helping and mentoring others, fostering growth and collaboration within the community.
Starting small and working together can make a significant impact in the open source world, allowing more individuals to participate and grow as developers.
Engaging in open source doesn't require being a genius; it's about making a start and contributing in any way possible to support the growth of developers, communities, and ideas.