Because WordPress is an open-source project to which anybody may contribute, it is free to use. You may now contribute code to WordPress if you have excellent programming abilities. However, most WordPress users are not programmers; thus, how can they contribute? This post will demonstrate how to participate in the WordPress project. 

Why Should You Participate and Contribute to WordPress? 

WordPress is free. It is licensed to enable you to download and use it for free in any project. 

You may examine and alter its source code. WordPress allows you to sell your stuff as well. 

This amazing endeavor helps hundreds of millions of people all around the globe. You are already a member of the worldwide WordPress community as a WordPress user. However, you may get more engaged by contributing to the community. 

Benefits of WordPress participation 

• You have the opportunity to work on a project democratizing the Internet for everyone on the planet. 
• You will get the opportunity to meet and converse with outstanding WordPress contributors. 
• Contributing to an open-source project is always an excellent chance to gain knowledge. 
• You may discover other business options, such as job openings and contracts. WordPress-related businesses are often wanting to recruit or outsource to community members. 

What to Do First 

We meant it when we announced that everyone might contribute to WordPress. You do not need to be a skilled coder to participate. To join a worldwide community of WordPress lovers, all you need is a willingness to contribute. 

There are several opportunities for participation. Follow the instructions to get started after selecting the option that best meets your needs. 

Patch submission to WordPress 

You should consider contributing to the code if you are an exceptional programmer with exceptional all-around talents. You may provide patches for open problems, participate in development discussions, and propose new features for WordPress. 

This is perhaps the most challenging approach for newcomers to get engaged. If you have full-time work, you may be unable to devote 100% of your time and effort to it. However, you are not required to contribute code. 

During a WordPress development cycle, you may always participate in debates and aid in reaching an agreement on various topics. Join Make WordPress to discover various involvement opportunities. 

Comparing beta and alpha releases 

Because millions of people use WordPress, each version must be rigorously tested. You may contribute by downloading and testing development versions of WordPress on your home machine. 

Install WordPress (Windows | Mac) on your computer to get started. The WordPress Beta Tester plugin automatically updates your installation to the latest nightly releases. 

Submitting WordPress Bug Reports 

If you discover an issue while testing or using WordPress, you may report it to the project for evaluation. WordPress utilizes the Trac system, which enables you to submit bug reports, feature requests, fixes, etc. Consult our introductory guide to Trac to get started. 

Contribute to the Translation of WordPress into Your Language 

WordPress, a popular worldwide program, is accessible in several languages. Refer to our instructions on installing WordPress in various languages to discover how to alter WordPress’s language. 

WordPress can only be translated into every language with the assistance of volunteers. This project is administered by the WordPress translators team, which may be followed and joined via the WordPress Polyglots website. 

To get started, you may join a local translation team. GlotPress is the basic user interface provided by WordPress for translators. You will be able to see a sentence from the WordPress program in English and then enter your translation in the adjacent text field. 

Contribute to translating WordPress themes and plugins 

There are tens of thousands of WordPress themes and plugins that facilitate the creation of stunning websites by millions of users. These themes and plugins also need your assistance. 

The plugin’s website may also provide instructions on how to submit translations to a WordPress plugin. If you do not see these instructions, contact the plugin or theme owner and ask how you may help translate. 

Supporting Users in WordPress Forums 

Daily, tens of thousands of WordPress users seek advice and assistance on the official WordPress forums. Helping one another is the core of a strong community, and the WordPress community consists of the kindest individuals. 

You may volunteer to assist other WordPress users with their issues. No of your degree of expertise, there will always be WordPress users who are less knowledgeable than you and might benefit from your knowledge. 

Aiding WordPress Users Across the Internet 

WordPress users are ubiquitous. Every superior web design and development forum has a section devoted to WordPress. Many WordPress users submit queries relating to WordPress on these forums. You may contribute by participating in these conversations. 

You can assist by including a WordPress area if you own your online forum. This allows you to create your WordPress community. 

Organizing or Participating in a Local WordPress Meetup 

Again, there are WordPress users everywhere. You may discover a WordPress meeting near your location, or you can create your own. 

Meetups are a terrific way to meet individuals with similar interests. You may share your knowledge and benefit from the experiences of other people. First and foremost, you may create new pals. 

Volunteering or Participating in a WordCamp Event 

Worldwide WordCamps have organized WordPress events. These are authorized WordPress events backed by the WordPress Foundation. 

You may attend a WordCamp near you to meet WordPress professionals, companies, and users in your area. You may also volunteer at a local WordCamp by contributing your time and expertise to the event’s organization. 

Assist Your Friends with WordPress 

The simplest and most enjoyable way to help the WordPress project is to spread the word to your friends and family. You may demonstrate the capabilities of WordPress and perhaps assist them with installation. 

You are permitted to discuss WordPress with your peers at school. Essentially, you will need to explain how anybody can create a website using WordPress. 

Donations Help Maintain Free WordPress Plugins and Themes 

There are hundreds of no-cost plugins in the official WordPress plugin directory. These plugins need significant time and work to develop and maintain. Please consider donating to the plugin creator if you are using a free WordPress plugin or theme and your website has benefited. 

Your financial contributions will assist developers in paying the time and effort required to keep things free. Moreover, your contribution will demonstrate your appreciation for their efforts.