How I Achieved 4,000 GitHub Commits While Leading a Team
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Chapter 1: The Significance of GitHub Contributions
Does having a bustling GitHub contributions chart truly matter? While it might not be essential, it certainly helps! Here’s my journey to significantly boost my commit count.
How I Transitioned from 0 to 4,000 Commits in 5 Years
It came as no surprise that landing my first full-time software engineering position was challenging after a decade of freelancing. Despite working as an SEO consultant and web developer, I had largely overlooked GitHub because clients simply didn’t care.
In 2019, I found myself reminiscing about the camaraderie of working alongside React developers, but my GitHub profile was dishearteningly empty: 0 contributions for the year.
I had some commits on a different account with a less-than-professional name, but these were mainly from writing articles for my Medium blog. As I outlined in my 2023 book, Career Programming, I was seen as a "big risk" due to my perceived lack of experience.
Despite holding a BS and MS in Bioinformatics, plus a minor in Computer Science, I hadn’t realized that the software engineering landscape had shifted significantly. GitHub launched the same year I graduated, in 2008, leading to a gradual decline of Subversion and Mercurial in favor of git and GitHub.
For many of us who had been developing web applications since the late 1990s, the transition was substantial. We originally relied on FTP to upload HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, eventually moving towards Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, which clients now prefer.
However, I was more inclined towards complex application development as JavaScript emerged as a dominant force. The release of frameworks like Node.js, AngularJS, and React revitalized my interest, but I had previously stepped back from app development to focus on SEO consulting.
My perspective changed in 2019 with the introduction of React Hooks, which sparked my enthusiasm for developing sophisticated applications again.
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The Shift to GitHub: Realizations and Challenges
I discovered that many developers, like myself, had initially been unaware of GitHub’s significance until around 2013. It quickly became the industry standard for showcasing code projects.
During technical interviews, I found myself bewildered when hiring managers pointed out my lack of GitHub activity, despite my decade-long experience. I had forgotten the traditional pathways many programmers took, which often included internships or entry-level roles.
Networking revealed that successful candidates often had numerous GitHub contributions to back up their applications. With my sparse activity, I was clearly at a disadvantage.
The realization hit me: GitHub contributions, while not the sole indicator of competence, were crucial in presenting myself as a viable candidate in the tech industry.
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Chapter 2: Building a Robust GitHub Portfolio
Despite my initial skepticism, I recognized the importance of maintaining an active GitHub profile. My approach shifted from merely accumulating commits to focusing on the quality and relevance of my contributions.
Through intentional efforts, I began to prioritize frequent, smaller commits, which helped boost my productivity. Making semantic commits transformed my workflow, allowing me to maintain momentum throughout my day.
While I struggled to secure my first developer role, I leveraged my GitHub contributions to demonstrate my problem-solving skills during interviews.
Navigating the transition from freelance work to a managerial position in 2022, I found myself balancing coding responsibilities with leading a team. The challenge was maintaining my commit count while guiding my direct reports effectively.
As I reviewed pull requests and mentored my new team members, I realized the importance of leading by example. Although managing burnout became a concern, I maintained a steady pace of contributions, averaging 20+ commits daily.
Conclusion: The Takeaway on GitHub Contributions
Ultimately, while the number of GitHub contributions isn't the only factor in securing a job, it certainly plays a role in shaping perceptions. By focusing on consistent, meaningful contributions, I was able to demonstrate my commitment to growth and learning in my career.
For those looking to enhance their GitHub profiles, making contributions a priority can lead to significant results. Aim for smaller, more frequent commits, and don’t hesitate to share your learning journey along the way.
Remember, while work experience holds more weight, a strong GitHub presence can complement your qualifications and set you apart in a competitive job market.