Community Contribution / Good First Issue Template

Community Contribution Template

Good first issues are the gateway for new contributors. This template helps maintainers create well-structured contribution opportunities that reduce the barrier to entry and increase successful first contributions.

Template Structure

name: "Good First Issue"
description: "Create a contribution-friendly issue for newcomers"
title: "[Good First Issue]: "
labels: ["good first issue", "help wanted"]
body:
  - type: markdown
    attributes:
      value: |
        This template is for **maintainers** to create well-structured
        issues that are suitable for first-time contributors.
  - type: textarea
    id: summary
    attributes:
      label: "Task Summary"
      description: "Clear, concise description of what needs to be done"
    validations:
      required: true
  - type: textarea
    id: context
    attributes:
      label: "Context & Background"
      description: "Why is this change needed? Link to relevant code/docs."
    validations:
      required: true
  - type: textarea
    id: acceptance_criteria
    attributes:
      label: "Acceptance Criteria"
      description: "What 'done' looks like — be specific"
      placeholder: |
        - [ ] Updated the function in src/utils.ts
        - [ ] Added unit tests
        - [ ] Updated documentation
    validations:
      required: true
  - type: dropdown
    id: skill_level
    attributes:
      label: "Skill Level"
      options:
        - "Beginner (no prior project knowledge needed)"
        - "Intermediate (some familiarity with codebase helpful)"
        - "Advanced (domain expertise needed)"
    validations:
      required: true
  - type: textarea
    id: getting_started
    attributes:
      label: "Getting Started Hints"
      description: "Point to specific files, functions, or docs to help get started"
      placeholder: |
        - Start by reading src/utils.ts, specifically the parseInput() function
        - Run npm test -- --grep "parseInput" to see existing tests
        - See CONTRIBUTING.md for setup instructions
    validations:
      required: true
  - type: dropdown
    id: mentorship
    attributes:
      label: "Mentorship"
      options:
        - "Available for pairing/mentoring"
        - "Available for async Q&A"
        - "Self-service (well-documented)"
    validations:
      required: true

What Makes a Good "Good First Issue"?

1. Clear scope: The change is well-defined and bounded
2. Specific pointers: Links to exact files and functions
3. Test instructions: How to verify the change works
4. Mentorship signal: Whether help is available

Reducing Contributor Drop-off

Studies show that first-time contributors are more likely to complete their contribution when the issue includes specific file paths, acceptance criteria, and an explicit offer of mentorship. This template ensures all three.

Skill Level Calibration

The skill level dropdown helps potential contributors self-select appropriate tasks. "Beginner" means no prior knowledge of the codebase is needed; "Advanced" means domain expertise (not just coding skill) is required.