Contributing to Rails - Start with the Gems You Already Use

Learn how to begin contributing to open source Ruby on Rails development by starting with the gems your application already uses 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 interacting effectively with gem maintainers. Master the process of submitting your first pull request with confidence, including best practices for running continuous integration across different Rails and Ruby versions. Understand how to address compatibility issues systematically and make meaningful improvements to the gems that power your Rails applications. Gain a clear roadmap for transitioning from Rails application developer to active open source contributor, with actionable steps to start making an impact in the broader Rails community.