Getting started on MDN

We are an open community of developers building resources for a better Web, regardless of brand, browser, or platform. Anyone can contribute and each person who does makes us stronger. Together we can continue to drive innovation on the Web to serve the greater good. It starts here, with you.

Every part of MDN (docs, demos, and the site itself) are created by an open community of developers, but it wouldn't be anything without your help too!

3 simple steps to MDN

MDN is a wiki, where anyone can add and edit content. You don't need to be a programmer or know a lot about technologies. There are plenty of things that need to be done, from the simple (proofreading and correcting typos) to the complex (writing API documentation).

Contributing is easy and safe. Even if you make a mistake, it's easily fixed. Even if you don't know exactly how things should look, or your grammar isn't all that good, don't worry about it! We have a team of people whose job it is to make sure that MDN's contents are as good as possible. Someone will be along to make sure your work is tidy and well-written. Share what you know and follow your strengths.

Step 1: Create an account on MDN

To begin your contributions to MDN, you need to have an account on MDN. For details, please see how to create an account.

Step 2: Pick a task to complete

Now that you are logged in, read the descriptions of different task types in the list below, and decide which one most appeals to you. You can pick any task you like and begin your contribution.

Step 3: Do the task

Once you've decided what kind of task you want to do, find a specific page, code example, etc. to work on, and just do it!

Don't worry about doing it perfectly; other MDN contributors are here to help fix errors that slip through. If you have questions as you go, see the Community page for info on mailing lists and chat channels where you can get answers.

When you're done with your chosen task, feel free to pick another item, or see below for other things you can do on MDN.

Possible task types

There are multiple avenues you can take to contribute to MDN depending on your skill set and interests. Even though some tasks may be daunting, we do have lots of simple activities available. A lot of them need only five minutes (or less!) of your time. Along with the task and its short description, you will find the approximate time that each type of task typically takes.

Option 1: I like words

You can help us review or edit existing docs, and apply correct tags to them.

• Set the summary for a page (5-15 minutes)
• Editorial Reviews (5–30 minutes)
• Update an existing article with new information (5 minutes-1 hour)
• Write a new entry in the Glossary (15 minutes-1 hour)
• Write an article about a new technology or API (30 minutes-2 hours)
• Write an article to help people learn about the web (1-3 hours)

Option 2: I like code

We need more code samples! You can also help build our site platform, Kuma!

• Convert code samples to be "live" (30 minutes)
• Set up a Kuma build environment (1 hour)
• Send your code patch to the Kuma codebase (1 hour)
• Submit a new demo (1 hour)

Option 3: I like both words and code

We have tasks that require both technical and language skills, like writing new articles, reviewing for technical accuracy, or adapting documents.

• Tag JavaScript pages (5 minutes)
• Promote MDN on your own website (5 minutes)
• Technical reviews (30 minutes)
• Update API page layout (30 minutes)
• Write a new article on a topic you are familiar with (1 hour or more)
• Create an interactive exercise to help people learn about the web (1 hour or more)

Option 4: I want MDN in my language

All localization and translation work done on MDN is done by our amazing community of volunteers.

• Translating pages (2 hours)
• Connect with other localizers listed in Localization projects (30 minutes)

Option 5: I found some wrong information but I don't know how to fix it

You can report problems by filing a documentation bug. (5 minutes)

Use these field values:

Other things you can do on MDN

• Join the MDN Community.
• Fill out your profile so others can know more about you.
• Learn more about contributing to MDN.