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Templates & Open Source

Build on the work of others and contribute back

📋 A. Using a Template

💡
Templates let you start a new project with pre-built structure and files. It's like getting a head start!
1

Find a Template

Navigate to a Template Repository URL (your instructor may provide one, or find one on GitHub).

For example, see the Tier 3 Webpage Template repo.

2

Use the Template

Click Use this template → Create a new repository.

3

Name Your New Repo

Give your new repository a name and click Create.

4

Start Working!

You now have an independent remote copy of the repo to Clone and edit. The template owner won't see your changes!

🌱 B. Forking & Pull Requests (Open Source Workflow)

🌍
This is how open-source collaboration works! You can contribute to any public project on GitHub using this workflow.
1

Fork

Click Fork on the original repo (on GitHub browser) to create a copy on your account.

🍴
Fork vs. Template:
A Fork maintains a connection to the original repo, allowing you to submit changes back. A Template creates a completely independent copy.
2

Clone

Clone your fork (remote) to your computer (local).

The URL will be: github.com/YOUR-USERNAME/repo-name

3

Edit & Push

Make changes and push to your fork (your copy of the original repo).

4

Pull Request (PR)

This is how you propose your changes to the original project!

  1. Go to the Original Repository
  2. Click Pull Requests tab
  3. Click New Pull Request
  4. Select "Compare across forks"
  5. Choose your fork and branch
  6. Write a description of your changes
  7. Submit!

⚖️ Template vs. Fork: Quick Comparison

📋 Template
  • Creates independent copy
  • No connection to original
  • Best for: Starting new projects
  • Can't submit changes back
🍴 Fork
  • Creates connected copy
  • Linked to original repo
  • Best for: Contributing to projects
  • Can submit Pull Requests

🔄 The Open Source Workflow

1. Fork
Create your own copy of the original repository on GitHub
2. Clone
Download your fork to your local computer
3. Make Changes
Edit files, add features, or fix bugs on your computer
4. Push
Upload your changes back to your fork on GitHub
5. Pull Request
Propose your changes to the original repository owner
6. Review & Merge
The owner reviews and (hopefully!) merges your contribution

✨ Open Source is Awesome!

Contributing to open source is a great way to learn, build your portfolio, and give back to the community. Start small - even fixing a typo in documentation counts!

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