Getting started with an open-source project can feel overwhelming, especially when you are looking at an unfamiliar codebase, issue queue, contribution workflow, and community.

In this session, I’ll share my practical journey of going from learning the basics of Drupal and making early contributions to working on a GSoC 2025 project with the Drupal Association.

The session will cover how to get started with Drupal development, understand the issue queue, set up a local environment, navigate an unfamiliar codebase, make your first meaningful contribution, work with Git and GitLab, communicate with mentors, handle reviews and blockers, and gradually take on larger contributions.

Rather than presenting open source as a straight-line success story, I’ll also discuss the challenges, mistakes, and learning process involved in becoming a consistent contributor.

The goal is to give beginners a realistic and actionable roadmap for going from “I want to contribute” to making meaningful contributions to the Drupal project.