Contributing to Rails - Start with the Gems You Already Use

Learn how to begin contributing to open source by starting with the Ruby gems your Rails application already depends on in this 26-minute conference talk from RailsConf 2025. Discover why contributing to gems serves as an ideal entry point into open source development, helping ensure compatibility with new Ruby and Rails versions while building your understanding of the Rails ecosystem. Explore practical strategies for identifying contribution opportunities, finding relevant issues, and effectively communicating with gem maintainers. Master the process of submitting your first pull request with confidence, including best practices for running continuous integration across multiple Rails and Ruby versions. Gain insights into addressing compatibility issues and learn how your contributions can make a meaningful impact on the broader Rails community. Walk away with a clear, actionable roadmap for transitioning from Rails user to active contributor in the open source ecosystem.