gyanshankar1708 · gyanshankar1708 · Sep 16, 2025 · Sep 15, 2025 · Sep 16, 2025
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+# Contributing to GrowCraft 🌱
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing to **GrowCraft**! We're excited to have you join our community of developers working to help businesses grow online while providing students with hands-on experience.
+
+> 🏆 **GrowCraft is part of GirlScript Summer of Code 2025 (GSSoC'25)**  
+> We especially welcome contributions from GSSoC participants!
+
+## 📋 Table of Contents
+
+- [Code of Conduct](#code-of-conduct)
+- [Getting Started](#getting-started)
+- [How to Contribute](#how-to-contribute)
+- [Development Setup](#development-setup)
+- [Contribution Guidelines](#contribution-guidelines)
+- [Issue Guidelines](#issue-guidelines)
+- [Pull Request Guidelines](#pull-request-guidelines)
+- [Community](#community)
+
+## 🤝 Code of Conduct
+
+Please read and follow our [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md) to ensure a welcoming environment for all contributors.
+
+## 🚀 Getting Started
+
+### Prerequisites
+
+Before you begin, ensure you have:
+- A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
+- Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript
+- Git installed on your machine
+- (Optional) XAMPP/WAMP for PHP development
+- A GitHub account
+
+### First-Time Contributors
+
+If you're new to open source:
+1. Star ⭐ this repository
+2. Join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/a2zdpnfZ)
+3. Look for issues labeled `good first issue` or `beginner-friendly`
+4. Read through this contributing guide completely
+
+## 🛠️ How to Contribute
+
+### For GSSoC'25 Participants
+
+1. **Find an Issue**: Look for issues labeled `GSSoC` or `good first issue`
+2. **Comment**: Express your interest by commenting on the issue
+3. **Wait for Assignment**: A maintainer will assign the issue to you
+4. **Work on It**: Start working only after assignment
+5. **Submit PR**: Follow our PR guidelines when submitting
+
+### Types of Contributions Welcome
+
+- 🐛 **Bug Fixes**: Help us squash bugs
+- ✨ **New Features**: Add new functionality
+- 📚 **Documentation**: Improve our docs
+- 🎨 **UI/UX Improvements**: Enhance user experience
+- 🧪 **Testing**: Add or improve tests
+- ♿ **Accessibility**: Make the platform more accessible
+- 🌐 **Internationalization**: Add language support
+
+## 💻 Development Setup
+
+### 1. Fork and Clone
+
+```bash
+# Fork the repository on GitHub, then clone your fork
+git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/GrowCraft.git
+cd GrowCraft
+```
+
+### 2. Set Up Upstream Remote
+
+```bash
+git remote add upstream https://github.com/gyanshankar1708/GrowCraft.git
+```
+
+### 3. Basic Setup
+
+- Open `index.html` in your browser to view the website
+- Make changes to HTML, CSS, or JavaScript files as needed
+
+### 4. PHP Development Setup (Optional)
+
+If working on contact form or backend features:
+
+```bash
+# Install XAMPP/WAMP
+# Place project in htdocs folder
+# Import database_schema.sql into MySQL
+# Update configuration in contact-handler.php
+```
+
+### 5. Keep Your Fork Updated
+
+```bash
+git fetch upstream
+git checkout main
+git merge upstream/main
+git push origin main
+```
+
+## 📝 Contribution Guidelines
+
+### Before You Start
+
+- Check existing issues and PRs to avoid duplication
+- For major changes, create an issue first to discuss
+- Ensure your contribution aligns with project goals
+- Test your changes thoroughly
+
+### Working on Issues
+
+1. **Assignment Required**: Only work on assigned issues
+2. **Communication**: Keep maintainers updated on progress
+3. **Deadline**: Complete assigned work within reasonable time
+4. **Help**: Don't hesitate to ask for help in comments or Discord
+
+## 🐛 Issue Guidelines
+
+### Creating Issues
+
+When creating a new issue:
+
+```markdown
+**Description:**
+Clear description of the bug/feature
+
+**Steps to Reproduce:** (for bugs)
+1. Go to...
+2. Click on...
+3. See error...
+
+**Expected Behavior:**
+What should happen
+
+**Screenshots:**
+If applicable, add screenshots
+
+**Environment:**
+- Browser: [e.g., Chrome 91]
+- OS: [e.g., Windows 10]
+- Device: [e.g., Desktop]
+```
+
+### Issue Labels
+
+- `bug` - Something isn't working
+- `enhancement` - New feature or improvement
+- `good first issue` - Good for newcomers
+- `GSSoC` - GSSoC'25 specific issues
+- `help wanted` - Extra attention needed
+- `documentation` - Documentation improvements
+
+## 🔄 Pull Request Guidelines
+
+### Creating a PR
+
+1. **Branch Naming**: Use descriptive names
+   ```bash
+   git checkout -b feature/add-new-service
+   git checkout -b fix/contact-form-validation
+   git checkout -b docs/update-readme
+   ```
+
+2. **Commit Messages**: Follow conventional commits
+   ```bash
+   feat: add new blog posting functionality
+   fix: resolve contact form validation issue
+   docs: update installation instructions
+   style: improve responsive design for mobile
+   ```
+
+3. **PR Template**: Fill out the PR template completely
+
+### PR Checklist
+
+Before submitting, ensure:
+
+- [ ] Code follows project coding standards
+- [ ] Changes are tested and work as expected
+- [ ] No console errors in browser developer tools
+- [ ] Responsive design works on different screen sizes
+- [ ] Documentation updated if necessary
+- [ ] Commit messages are clear and descriptive
+- [ ] PR description explains what and why
+
+### PR Review Process
+
+1. **Automatic Checks**: Ensure all checks pass
+2. **Code Review**: Maintainers will review your code
+3. **Feedback**: Address any requested changes
+4. **Approval**: PR will be merged once approved
+
+## 🌐 Community
+
+### Get Help
+
+- 💬 **Discord**: Join our [Discord server](https://discord.gg/a2zdpnfZ)
+- 🐛 **Issues**: Create an issue for bugs or questions
+- 📧 **Contact**: Reach out to maintainers
+
+### Connect with Maintainers
+
+- **Gyanshankar Singh** - [@gyanshankar1708](https://github.com/gyanshankar1708) (Project Admin)
+- **Khabab Akhtar** - [@Khababakhtar20](https://github.com/Khababakhtar20) (Mentor)
+- **Abdullah Jameel** - [@abdullahxyz85](https://github.com/abdullahxyz85) (Mentor)
+- **Ayush Kashyap** - [@ayushkashyap402](https://github.com/ayushkashyap402) (Mentor)
+
+## 🎉 Recognition
+
+Contributors will be:
+- Added to our contributors wall
+- Mentioned in release notes
+- Eligible for GSSoC'25 certificates and rewards
+- Part of our growing community
+
+## ❓ Questions?
+
+If you have any questions not covered in this guide:
+
+1. Check existing issues and discussions
+2. Join our Discord community
+3. Create a new issue with the `question` label
+
+---
+
+**Thank you for contributing to GrowCraft! Together, we're building something amazing! 🚀**
+
+---
+
+*Happy Contributing! 🎯*