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BMAD-METHOD/docs/how-to-contribute-with-pull-requests.md
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# How to Contribute with Pull Requests
**New to GitHub and pull requests?** This guide will walk you through the basics step by step.
## What is a Pull Request?
A pull request (PR) is how you propose changes to a project on GitHub. Think of it as saying "Here are some changes I'd like to make - please review and consider adding them to the main project."
## Before You Start
⚠️ **Important**: Please keep your contributions small and focused! We prefer many small, clear changes rather than one massive change. If you're planning something big, please [open an issue](https://github.com/bmadcode/bmad-method/issues) or start a [discussion](https://github.com/bmadcode/bmad-method/discussions) first.
## Step-by-Step Guide
### 1. Fork the Repository
1. Go to the [BMAD-METHOD repository](https://github.com/bmadcode/bmad-method)
2. Click the "Fork" button in the top-right corner
3. This creates your own copy of the project
### 2. Clone Your Fork
```bash
# Replace YOUR-USERNAME with your actual GitHub username
git clone https://github.com/YOUR-USERNAME/bmad-method.git
cd bmad-method
```
### 3. Create a New Branch
**Never work directly on the `main` branch!** Always create a new branch for your changes:
```bash
# Create and switch to a new branch
git checkout -b fix/typo-in-readme
# or
git checkout -b feature/add-new-agent
```
**Branch naming tips:**
- `fix/description` - for bug fixes
- `feature/description` - for new features
- `docs/description` - for documentation changes
### 4. Make Your Changes
- Edit the files you want to change
- Keep changes small and focused on one thing
- Test your changes if possible
### 5. Commit Your Changes
```bash
# Add your changes
git add .
# Commit with a clear message
git commit -m "Fix typo in README.md"
```
**Good commit messages:**
- "Fix typo in installation instructions"
- "Add example for new agent usage"
- "Update broken link in docs"
**Bad commit messages:**
- "stuff"
- "changes"
- "update"
### 6. Push to Your Fork
```bash
# Push your branch to your fork
git push origin fix/typo-in-readme
```
### 7. Create the Pull Request
1. Go to your fork on GitHub
2. You'll see a green "Compare & pull request" button - click it
3. Fill out the PR template:
- **Title**: Clear, descriptive title
- **Description**: Explain what you changed and why
### 8. Wait for Review
- A maintainer will review your PR
- They might ask for changes
- Be patient and responsive to feedback
## What Makes a Good Pull Request?
**Good PRs:**
- Change one thing at a time
- Have clear, descriptive titles
- Explain what and why in the description
- Include only the files that need to change
**Avoid:**
- Changing formatting of entire files
- Multiple unrelated changes in one PR
- Copying your entire project/repo into the PR
- Changes without explanation
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. **Don't reformat entire files** - only change what's necessary
2. **Don't include unrelated changes** - stick to one fix/feature per PR
3. **Don't paste code in issues** - create a proper PR instead
4. **Don't submit your whole project** - contribute specific improvements
## Need Help?
- 💬 Join our [Discord Community](https://discord.gg/g6ypHytrCB) for real-time help
- 💬 Ask questions in [Discussions](https://github.com/bmadcode/bmad-method/discussions)
- 🐛 Report bugs in [Issues](https://github.com/bmadcode/bmad-method/issues)
- 📖 Read the full [Contributing Guidelines](../CONTRIBUTING.md)
## Example: Good vs Bad PRs
### 😀 Good PR Example
**Title**: "Fix broken link to installation guide"
**Changes**: One file, one line changed
**Description**: "The link in README.md was pointing to the wrong file. Updated to point to correct installation guide."
### 😞 Bad PR Example
**Title**: "Updates"
**Changes**: 50 files, entire codebase reformatted
**Description**: "Made some improvements"
---
**Remember**: We're here to help! Don't be afraid to ask questions. Every expert was once a beginner.