The Parts of GNOME

Code Modules

GNOME software is divided into modules. Modules can be applications, such as the Nautilus file browser , Music app or Epiphany web browser. Modules can also be libraries, such as GTK+, or even programming languages like Vala. As you explore GNOME and learn about GNOME software, you will discover and become familiar with many of these modules.

You can browse the code for each module on the web. If you want, you can learn how to build them in the Building Code tutorial.

Issues

Issues are reported via GitLab Issue Tracker.

The Wiki

This wiki contains lots of useful information about individual GNOME modules, projects and teams, and it is used for planning development work. Modules usually have an information page on the wiki, with links to communication channels and developer resources. You can find them in the Apps and Projects spaces.

Planet GNOME

Planet GNOME is a window into the world, work and lives of GNOME hackers and contributors. It aggregates the blogs of GNOME contributors, and it is one of the main ways of getting to know the people who are involved in GNOME. It is a good idea to follow Planet GNOME if you want to be a GNOME contributor. It has an RSS feed so you can subscribe to it.

Get help & advice

IRC

IRC is a type of instant messaging, and is one of the main ways that contributors talk to each other. Most teams have dedicated channels, as do a lot of applications and projects.

The GNOME IRC information provides a full guide to GNOME IRC, and also provides the etiquette you need to follow. To get started, these are some of the best channels to consider:

#newcomers - help and advice for newcomers.
#gnome - this is the most general GNOME IRC channel, where you can ask for advice or talk about anything to do with GNOME.
#gnome-hackers - the main development channel. General technical and development issues are discussed here.

Gnome IRC follows a etiquette:

Most of people are lurking, so don't feel down if the channel is quiet or nobody answer your question. Wait patiently and try to ask in a different time.
Provide all the information when asking a question and use paste.gnome.org for pasting your code or error.
Don't direct message people. Only if it is something strictly tied to that person or if you are having a conversation.

Conclusion

That's it for now! From reading this, you already know the most important parts of the project. Time to go back and explore the newcomers main page.