How to Get Started as a WordPress Contributor?

[Annie_P]

I want to contribute to WordPress, but I don’t know where to start or which paths are available.

[wisly.k]

Getting started as a WordPress contributor begins with understanding the various teams that keep WordPress running. WordPress is powered by volunteers working on different areas like Core development, Theme and Plugin review, Polyglots for translations, Documentation, and Support forums.

The best approach is to explore the Make WordPress site and read about each team to find where your skills or interests match. Even if you’re not a developer, there are plenty of ways to contribute, from writing and editing content to testing features or helping with translations. The key is to pick one area to start with so you can learn its workflow without feeling overwhelmed.

[Paul Schmidt]

First, you’ll need a WordPress.org account so you can join discussions, report bugs, or contribute code. If you’re planning to help with development, you should also set up a local development environment. Non-technical contributors might not need a dev setup, but having Slack is essential because most WordPress teams coordinate via the official WordPress Slack workspace. Being familiar with Trac (for tracking development work) or GitHub (for certain projects) is also a plus. Getting these tools ready makes your contribution process smooth from day one.

[Rex Maughan]

Once you’ve chosen your team and set up your tools, the next step is joining the community meetings. Most teams have weekly or bi-weekly chats on Slack where they share updates and assign tasks. Many teams also have “good first issues” or beginner-friendly tickets you can work on. These smaller tasks are perfect for learning the ropes without feeling lost. You can also volunteer during WordPress events like WordCamps or Contributor Days, which are great opportunities to meet other contributors face-to-face and get guidance in real time.

[Christian J]

The real value of contributing comes with consistency. Even with only a few hours a month, regular participation helps you build skills, make connections, and become a trusted team member. You can gradually take on bigger responsibilities, such as mentoring new contributors, leading meetings, or even becoming part of a release squad. Along the way, you’ll improve your technical skills, communication, and understanding of how open-source projects operate. Remember, contributing to WordPress is as much about collaboration and community as it is about the actual work you do.