Welcome to Journey-To-OS – a project by Bhopal DAO designed for everyone who’s excited to learn, build, and contribute. Whether you’re using your very first laptop or you’re a self-taught coder, this guide will walk you through setting up your environment, understanding the basics of open source and Web3, and taking your very first steps into contributing to projects. Let’s break things down into simple, actionable steps so that nothing feels too intimidating!

👉 Follow Bhopal DAO on GitHub and ⭐️ this repository to help us grow!

1. Introduction
2. What You’ll Need
3. Setting Up Your Development Environment
   • 1. Installing Node.js
   • 2. Installing Git
   • 3. Choosing a Code Editor
   • 4. Essential Terminal and Shell Tips
4. Open Source Fundamentals
   • What is Open Source?
   • Benefits of Open Source
   • Your First Open Source Contribution
   • Best Practices for Collaborating
5. Getting Started with Web3 Open Source
   • Understanding Web3
   • Web3 Tools & Platforms
   • Beginner-Friendly Web3 Projects
6. How to Contribute to Journey-To-OS
   • Making Your First Pull Request (PR)
   • Uploading Your Resume in Markdown
   • Code of Conduct & Community Etiquette
7. Additional Learning Resources
8. FAQs and Troubleshooting
9. Conclusion

In a world where technology changes rapidly, open source and Web3 have become powerful forces for innovation and collaboration. But we know that the technical jargon can sometimes feel overwhelming. This guide is here to simplify the process. We cover everything from setting up Node.js and Git to joining a community of builders who support one another. The goal is to empower you to start contributing right away, without feeling intimidated by tech-speak.

• A Laptop or Desktop Computer: Almost any modern computer will work.
• Reliable Internet Connection: Essential for downloading software, accessing tutorials, and collaborating online.
• Curiosity and Persistence: A willingness to learn and experiment, even when things don’t work the first time.
• Time & Patience: Building your skills takes practice. Enjoy the journey!

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that lets you run code outside your browser. It’s crucial for many development projects.

1. Download Node.js:
   Visit nodejs.org and choose the LTS (Long Term Support) version for stability.
2. Follow Installation Instructions:
   Detailed guides are available at the Node.js installation guide. These instructions walk you through installation on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
3. Verify Installation:
   Open your terminal or command prompt and type:

   node -v
   npm -v

   You should see version numbers for both Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager).

Git is a version control system that tracks changes and helps you collaborate with others.

1. Download Git:
   Go to git-scm.com/downloads and download the version for your operating system.
2. Installation and Setup:
   Follow the prompts during installation. Afterward, set up your user name and email:

   git config --global user.name "Your Name"
   git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"

3. Learn the Basics:
   Check out the Git Handbook on GitHub for an introduction to key commands and workflows.

A good code editor can make your development work much easier.

• Visual Studio Code (VS Code):
  Highly popular and free. Download from code.visualstudio.com. It offers useful extensions for Node.js, Git integration, and more.
• Other Options:
  Sublime Text, Atom, or any editor you feel comfortable with.

Getting comfortable with the command line can boost your productivity:

• Navigating Directories:
  Use cd foldername to change directories and ls (or dir on Windows) to list files.
• Basic Commands:
  Learn commands like mkdir (make directory), rm (remove files), and touch (create files).
• Customizing Your Shell:
  Consider using Zsh or Bash with helpful plugins like Oh My Zsh to enhance your terminal experience.

Open source is the practice of making your code available for anyone to view, use, and contribute to. It encourages collaboration, transparency, and collective improvement.
For more details, visit What is Open Source?.

• Learning & Skill Development:
  Hands-on experience is the best way to learn.
• Building a Network:
  Connect with experienced developers and mentors.
• Career Opportunities:
  Contributions to open source projects can strengthen your resume and lead to job opportunities.
• Innovation and Impact:
  Help develop projects that can change the world.
• Community Support:
  Join communities that encourage learning, sharing, and growing together.

1. Educate Yourself:
   Start with beginner-friendly tutorials on platforms like freeCodeCamp or Codecademy.
2. Find a Project:
   Look for repositories with labels such as good first issue on GitHub.
3. Engage and Ask Questions:
   Join Slack channels, Discord servers, or community forums associated with the project.
4. Start with Small Tasks:
   Contribute to documentation improvements or minor bug fixes. Every contribution builds your confidence.
5. Learn by Doing:
   Practice by forking repositories, experimenting locally, and gradually moving to more significant changes.

• Write Clear Commit Messages:
  Describe what changes you made and why.
• Follow the Project’s Guidelines:
  Check the project’s CONTRIBUTING.md file for specific instructions.
• Stay Respectful:
  Remember that every contributor is learning and growing.
• Keep Communication Open:
  Use pull request comments and project issues to communicate your ideas and ask for feedback.

Web3 is the evolution of the internet—emphasizing decentralization, blockchain, and user empowerment. It’s not just about cryptocurrencies; it’s about building systems where control is shared among the community.
For a friendly introduction, see resources at Bhopal DAO Notion Site.

• Ethereum:
  One of the most popular platforms for decentralized applications (dApps). Visit Ethereum.org for developer resources.
• Smart Contracts:
  Learn how to write smart contracts using Solidity. Check out the Solidity documentation.
• Other Platforms:
  Explore alternatives like Polkadot, Cardano, and Binance Smart Chain.

1. Start with Simple dApps:
   Look for projects on GitHub that welcome beginners.
2. Follow Step-by-Step Tutorials:
   Many tutorials are available online that cover building a basic dApp or deploying a smart contract.
3. Engage with Communities:
   Join forums like the Ethereum Stack Exchange or Web3 subreddits to ask questions and share experiences.

We welcome every bit of help! Here’s how you can join in and make your first contribution:

1. Fork the Repository:
   Click the “Fork” button on our GitHub page to create your own copy.
2. Clone Your Fork:
   Open your terminal and run:

   git clone https://github.com/your-username/Journey-To-OS.git

3. Create a New Branch:
   Create a separate branch for your work:

   git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name

4. Make Your Changes:
   Edit files, add documentation, or fix bugs. Ensure your changes are clear and purposeful.
5. Commit Your Changes:
   Stage and commit your work with a descriptive message:

   git add .
   git commit -m "Add detailed guide for [feature/topic]"

6. Push Your Branch:

   git push origin feature/your-feature-name

7. Submit a Pull Request:
   Head to GitHub, click “Compare & pull request,” and provide a detailed explanation of your changes. For more details, refer to GitHub’s PR guide.

We highly recommend using an ATS-friendly resume template to ensure your skills and experience shine through. Follow these steps to contribute your resume:

• Write your resume in Markdown format using the guidelines below.

Resume Order:

1. Experience
2. Projects
3. Technical Skills
4. Education
5. Achievements

• We have a live, customizable ATS-friendly resume template that you can use.

Live Template:
Click here to view and customize the resume template

Note:
Remember to update it with your details, keep it to one page, include project/code links, and remove any sensitive information (e.g., phone numbers).

• Create a folder named Contributors (if it doesn’t exist) and save your resume as a Markdown file named after your GitHub username (e.g., yourusername.md).

• Follow the PR process (as described above) to commit your resume to the repository. Ensure your pull request is high quality and adheres to the guidelines.

• Your pull request will be evaluated based on its quality. A clear, well-documented, and organized PR will help you climb the leaderboard.

• Top 10: Win Bhopal DAO Exclusive Merch (Tees)
• Next 20: Win Bhopal DAO Swags
  Criteria: Quality of your PR will determine your ranking.

• If you face merge conflicts, refer to GitHub Docs - About Merge Conflicts and Resolve Merge Conflict.

• If you have questions, raise an issue in this repository or join our Discord server for support.

• Be Respectful:
  Treat everyone with kindness and be open to different opinions.
• Stay Constructive:
  Provide helpful feedback and ask questions if you’re unsure.
• Follow the Guidelines:
  Read our Code of Conduct to ensure a positive environment for all contributors.

Here’s a longer list of resources to help you along your journey:

• Node.js Documentation:
  nodejs.org/en/docs
  Learn everything from basic APIs to advanced topics.
• Git and GitHub Learning Lab:
  lab.github.com
  Interactive tutorials to master Git and GitHub.
• Open Source Guides:
  opensource.guide
  A great resource for everything open source—from licensing to community management.
• Web3 and Blockchain Basics:
  • Ethereum Developers
  • IBM Blockchain 101
• Coding Tutorials:
  • freeCodeCamp
  • Codecademy
• YouTube Channels:
  Look for channels that offer walkthroughs on Node.js, Git, and Web3 projects.
• Online Communities:
  • Stack Overflow
  • Reddit – r/learnprogramming
  • Discord Servers for open source and Web3 discussions.
• Bhopal DAO Notion Site:
  Stay connected with community updates, news, and resources at Bhopal DAO Notion Site.

• Start Small:
  Work on simple projects, follow online tutorials, and join communities that support beginners.
• Practice Daily:
  Even a few minutes of coding every day can build your confidence over time.
• Ask for Help:
  Use forums, Discord groups, or GitHub issues to ask questions.

• Debugging Tips:
  Use console logs, read error messages carefully, and search for solutions online.
• Community Support:
  Don’t hesitate to reach out in our community channels for help.
• Documentation:
  Always refer back to the official documentation for Node.js, Git, or Web3 tools.

• Set Small Goals:
  Break down your learning into achievable tasks.
• Celebrate Wins:
  Every PR, bug fix, or learning milestone is a victory.
• Engage Regularly:
  Participate in community events or coding challenges to keep your momentum.

Your journey into open source and Web3 begins with a single step. With nothing more than your laptop, an internet connection, and a curious mind, you have the power to join a global community of builders and innovators. This guide provides a detailed roadmap—from setting up Node.js, Git, and your code editor, to making your first contributions and exploring decentralized technologies. Remember, every expert started as a beginner, and every small contribution helps build a brighter, more innovative future.

Welcome aboard—let’s build something amazing together!