zeroclickinfo-goodies/CONTRIBUTING.md

# Contribute to Goodie Instant Answers

There are several options for contributing Goodie Instant Answers, explained below.

You can always find the [Instant Answer Documentation here](https://duck.co/duckduckhack/ddh-intro). Also, if you have any questions at any point, feel free to ask on one of our community channels:

- [DuckDuckHack mailing list](https://duck.co/redir/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.listbox.com%2Fsubscribe%2F%3Flist_id%3D197814)
- [Gitter chat](https://duck.co/redir/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgitter.im%2Fduckduckgo%2FIdeas)
- Do not hesitate to email us directly at [open@duckduckgo.com](mailto:open@duckduckgo.com).

## New? Make Your First Contribution Today

If this is your first time contributing to [DuckDuckHack](http://www.duckduckhack.com), you have two great ways to quickly make your first commit:

1. Make a [Cheat Sheet](https://duck.co/duckduckhack/goodie_cheat_sheets)

	Cheat sheets are a super-easy way to contribute to the live DuckDuckGo AnswerBar very quickly, by editing a single file. Cheat sheets can be about anything, from Emacs and Vim to Game of Thrones house names or wine pairings.

2. Create a simple, complete "Hello World" Goodie with our [Quick Start Tutorial](https://duck.co/duckduckhack/goodie_quickstart)

	This short tutorial will lead you through all the parts of building a full-loop Goodie. This is a perfect place to start if you have an idea for an original Instant Answer.

## Create a New Instant Answer

Once you're comfortable with the workflow and how Goodie's work, we're excited to have you create your own original Instant Answer.

1. Choose an idea

	Bring your own idea, or check out the ideas forum - especially [top voted answer ideas](https://duck.co/ideas/status/3?table_lnKRpLENwO2NUmZUyukQpw_sort=votes).

2. Plan your implementation

	The first step is to research and plan your Instant Answer. Consider [the best way to implement](https://duck.co/duckduckhack/determine_your_instant_answer_type) your idea, and review the [docs and guidelines](https://duck.co/duckduckhack/ddh-intro) that apply.
	
3. Involve us

	Before you start coding, [let us know your plans](mailto:open@duckduckgo.com). By involving us early we can provide guidance and potentially save you a lot of time and effort. Email us at [open@duckduckgo.com](mailto:open@duckduckgo.com) with what idea you're working on and how you're thinking of going about it.

	In addition, we'll promptly set up a [central Instant Answer page](http://www.duck.co/ia) on the community platform so others can know you're working on it and how they can help you.

## Improve an Existing Instant Answer

Another great way to contribute is to improve an existing, live Instant Answer. It's a great way to get further acquainted with Instant Answers, as well as get implementation ideas. Many contributors report completing their first fix within two hours of forking the repository.

1. Choose a "low-hanging fruit"

	We've made sure to identify these throughout our repositories for new contributors.

	- [Goodie Low Hanging Fruit](https://github.com/duckduckgo/zeroclickinfo-goodies/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3A%22Low-Hanging+Fruit%22) ([Goodie docs](https://duck.co/duckduckhack/goodie_overview))
	- [Spice Low Hanging Fruit](https://github.com/duckduckgo/zeroclickinfo-spice/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3A%22Low-Hanging+Fruit%22) ([Spice docs](https://duck.co/duckduckhack/spice_overview))

2. Dive in

	Make a comment on issues you'd like to work on. Feel completely free to dive right in. Let us know what you're thinking and if you'd like any help or guidance. 
	
	As always, feel free to [ask us anything](mailto:open@duckduckgo.com), and don't forget the handy [Instant Answer documentation](https://duck.co/duckduckhack/ddh-intro).