• • Top 5 Most Popular Open Source Projects To Contribute In 2021
  • 1. TensorFlow
  • Why Contribute to TensorFlow?
  • Example Contribution:
  • 2. React Native
  • Why Contribute to React Native?
  • Case Study:
  • 3. Kubernetes
  • Why Contribute to Kubernetes?
  • Statistics:
  • 4. Mozilla Firefox
  • Why Contribute to Mozilla Firefox?
  • Example Contribution:
  • 5. Apache Spark
  • Why Contribute to Apache Spark?
  • Case Study:
  • Conclusion

Top 5 Most Popular Open Source Projects To Contribute In 2021

Open source projects are the backbone of the modern internet, powering everything from operating systems to web browsers. Contributing to these projects is a fantastic way to gain valuable experience, learn from experienced developers, and give back to the community. But with thousands of open source projects out there, it can be overwhelming to choose where to start.

This article highlights five of the most popular open source projects in 2021, offering a diverse range of opportunities for aspiring contributors. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just starting, these projects welcome contributions from all skill levels.

1. TensorFlow

At the forefront of the machine learning revolution, TensorFlow is an open-source platform developed by Google for building and deploying machine learning models.

Why Contribute to TensorFlow?

• High Impact: TensorFlow powers cutting-edge research and real-world applications in various fields, including healthcare, finance, and image recognition.
• Thriving Community: With a massive and active community, TensorFlow offers ample support and resources for contributors.
• Diverse Contribution Opportunities: From improving documentation to developing new algorithms, TensorFlow offers a wide range of contribution opportunities for different skill sets.

Example Contribution:

A recent successful contribution involved optimizing TensorFlow’s performance on ARM processors, making it more accessible for mobile and embedded devices.

2. React Native

Developed by Facebook, React Native is a popular open-source framework for building native mobile applications using JavaScript and React.

Why Contribute to React Native?

• Cross-Platform Development: React Native allows developers to build apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase, saving time and resources.
• Growing Demand: The demand for skilled React Native developers is high, making it a valuable skill to have in the job market.
• Active Community Support: React Native boasts a large and active community that provides support and resources for contributors.

Case Study:

Microsoft has been a significant contributor to React Native, improving its performance and compatibility with Windows devices. This collaboration highlights the project’s impact and the value of community contributions.

3. Kubernetes

As the leading container orchestration platform, Kubernetes automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.

Why Contribute to Kubernetes?

• Cloud-Native Revolution: Kubernetes is at the heart of the cloud-native movement, making it a crucial technology for modern software development.
• High Demand Skill: Kubernetes expertise is in high demand, offering excellent career prospects for skilled professionals.
• Large and Active Community: Backed by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), Kubernetes has a vast and active community driving its development.

Statistics:

According to the CNCF, Kubernetes has over 2,000 contributors and is used by over 70% of Fortune 100 companies, demonstrating its widespread adoption and the impact of community contributions.

4. Mozilla Firefox

One of the most popular web browsers globally, Mozilla Firefox is an open-source project that champions user privacy and an open web.

Why Contribute to Mozilla Firefox?

• Impact on the Web: Contributing to Firefox directly impacts the browsing experience of millions of users worldwide.
• Focus on Privacy: Firefox is known for its strong stance on user privacy, making it an ideal project for those passionate about digital rights.
• Variety of Contribution Opportunities: From coding to design and translation, Firefox offers diverse contribution opportunities for various skill sets.

Example Contribution:

A recent community contribution involved implementing a new feature in Firefox that blocks intrusive cookie notices, improving user experience and privacy.

5. Apache Spark

Apache Spark is a powerful open-source framework for large-scale data processing, enabling faster analytics and machine learning workloads.

Why Contribute to Apache Spark?

• Big Data Revolution: Spark plays a crucial role in handling and analyzing massive datasets, making it a vital tool in the age of big data.
• Growing Ecosystem: Spark has a thriving ecosystem of libraries and tools, providing ample opportunities for contributions and innovation.
• Strong Community Support: As an Apache project, Spark benefits from a large and active community of developers and users.

Case Study:

Companies like Netflix and Uber rely heavily on Apache Spark for their data processing needs. Their contributions and use cases demonstrate the project’s real-world impact and the value of community involvement.

Conclusion

Contributing to open source projects is a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits, from skill development to networking opportunities. The five projects highlighted in this article represent a diverse range of technologies and communities, providing ample opportunities for aspiring contributors of all skill levels. Whether you’re passionate about machine learning, mobile development, or web technologies, there’s an open source project out there waiting for your contributions.