This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Yousef
Why Contribute to Rhino?
So you’ve read about Rhino Framework and you’re thinking, “This sounds interesting, but how can I actually help?” Great question. Contributing to open source projects like Rhino isn’t just about writing code – it’s about building the tools that make development better for everyone.
When you contribute to Rhino, you’re not just fixing bugs or adding features. You’re helping shape the future of how we build web applications. Every contribution, from fixing a typo in documentation to implementing a new feature, makes the framework more powerful and accessible for developers around the world.
What Makes Rhino Different for Contributors
Unlike many open source projects that require deep knowledge of complex systems, Rhino is designed to be contributor-friendly. The framework is built on familiar technologies (Rails and React), so if you know these technologies, you can start contributing immediately.
The codebase is structured with clear patterns and conventions, making it easy to understand how different parts work together. Plus, the framework’s focus on higher-level abstractions means you can work on meaningful features without getting lost in low-level implementation details.
Types of Contributions We Need
Documentation and Examples
One of the most valuable contributions you can make is improving documentation. This includes:
- Tutorial content: Step-by-step guides for common tasks
- API documentation: Clear explanations of how different components work
- Example applications: Real-world projects that demonstrate best practices
- Video content: Screen recordings showing how to use different features
Bug Fixes and Improvements
The Rhino project has several open issues that are perfect for contributors:
- Good first issues: Simple fixes that help you learn the codebase
- Performance improvements: Optimizing existing functionality
- UI/UX enhancements: Making the admin interface more user-friendly
- Testing: Adding tests for existing features or improving test coverage
New Features and Integrations
As the framework evolves, we need contributors to help with:
- New components: Building reusable UI components
- Integrations: Connecting with third-party services
- Advanced features: Multi-tenancy improvements, authentication enhancements
- AI integration: Making the framework work better with AI tools
Getting Started with Your First Contribution
1. Set Up Your Development Environment
First, you’ll need to get the Rhino codebase running locally:
# Fork the repository on GitHub
git clone https://github.com/your-username/rhino-project.git
cd rhino-project
# Install dependencies
bundle install
npm install
# Set up the database
rails db:setup
# Start the development servers
rails s
# In another terminal:
npm start
2. Find an Issue to Work On
Look for issues labeled with “good first issue” or “help wanted”. These are specifically chosen to be beginner-friendly and well-documented. Some current examples include:
- Issue #232: Add organizations factory for testing
- Issue #215: Refactor timestamp attributes method
- Documentation: Improve getting started guide
- Examples: Create simple blog model example
3. Understand the Codebase Structure
Rhino follows a clear structure that makes it easy to navigate:
- Backend: Rails application with models, controllers, and services
- Frontend: React components with TypeScript support
- Admin: Auto-generated admin interfaces
- Testing: Comprehensive test suite with examples
4. Make Your Changes
Start with small, focused changes. Don’t try to fix everything at once. Make sure your changes are well-tested and documented.
5. Submit a Pull Request
When you’re ready, submit a pull request with:
- Clear description of what you changed
- Tests for new functionality
- Updated documentation if needed
- Screenshots for UI changes
Community and Support
Getting Help
- GitHub Discussions: Ask questions and share ideas
- Discord Community: Real-time chat with other contributors and developers in our Discord
- Code Reviews: Learn from feedback on your contributions
If you have something in mind that’s not an existing GitHub issue, reach out to our Discord community to talk directly with developers who can help guide you through the contribution process.
Recognition and Growth
Contributing to Rhino isn’t just about the code. It’s about:
- Building your portfolio: Showcase your skills to potential employers
- Learning new technologies: Gain experience with modern development practices
- Networking: Connect with other developers and industry professionals
- Making an impact: Help shape the future of web development
The Impact of Your Contributions
Every contribution to Rhino makes a difference. Whether you’re fixing a small bug, improving documentation, or adding a new feature, you’re helping developers around the world build better applications faster.
The framework is used by startups, enterprises, and individual developers who need to move quickly without sacrificing code quality. Your contributions help these developers focus on what matters most – building the features that make their applications unique.
Ready to Get Started?
Contributing to Rhino is easier than you might think. The framework is designed to be accessible, the community is welcoming, and there are plenty of opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Start by exploring the GitHub repository, reading through some issues, and setting up your development environment. Don’t worry about making mistakes – that’s how we all learn. The important thing is to get started and be part of building the future of web development.
This post is part of our Hacktoberfest 2025 series. Follow along as we explore Rhino Framework through real examples and community contributions.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Yousef