This contribution guide is for cases in which you need to test the functionality of your changes, or if you need to take screenshots of your changes. You will need a computer with a stable internet connection, a text editor, Git, and NodeJS with version 20.16.0. There are some additional requirements depending on what you're looking to contribute, such as Firebase for authentication, and Mongo and Docker for the backend. Read the below sections to understand how to set up each of these tools.
Git is optional but we recommend you utilize it. Monkeytype uses the Git source control management (SCM) system for its version control. Assuming you don't have experience typing commands in the command line, we suggest installing [Sourcetree](https://www.sourcetreeapp.com/). You will be able to utilize the power of Git without needing to remember any cryptic commands. Using a Git client such as Sourcetree won't give you access to the full functionality of Git, but provides an easy-to-understand graphical user interface (GUI). Once you have downloaded Sourcetree, run the installer. While installing Sourcetree, keep your eyes peeled for the option to also install Git with Sourcetree. This is the option you will need to look for in order to install Git. **Make sure to click yes in the installer to install Git with Sourcetree.**
If you use `nvm` (if you use Windows, use [nvm-windows](https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows)) then you can run `nvm install` and `nvm use` (you might need to specify the exact version eg: `nvm install 20.16.0` then `nvm use 20.16.0`) to use the version of Node.js in the `.nvmrc` file.
For package management, we use `pnpm` instead of `npm` or `yarn`. You can install it by running `npm i -g pnpm@9.6.0`. This will install `pnpm` globally on your machine.
You can use docker to run the frontend and backend. This will take care of OS-specific problems but might be a bit more resource-intensive. You can download it from the [Docker website](https://www.docker.com/get-started/#h_installation).
The account system will not let you create an account without a Firebase project. You can skip this if you don't think you will need it (you can always set it up later)
1. Within the `frontend` directory, duplicate `.firebaserc_example`, rename the new file to `.firebaserc` and change the project name to the firebase project id you just created.
| <ol><li>Install [MongoDB Community Edition](https://docs.mongodb.com/manual/administration/install-community/)</li><li>Install [Redis](https://redis.io/docs/install/install-redis/)</li><li>Make sure both are running</li></ol> | <ol><li>Install [Docker](http://www.docker.io/gettingstarted/#h_installation) on your machine</li><li>Run `npm run docker-db-only` from the `./backend` directory</li></ol> |
3. (Optional) Install [MongoDB-compass](https://www.mongodb.com/try/download/compass?tck=docs_compass). This tool can be used to see and manipulate your database visually.
- To connect, type `mongodb://localhost:27017` in the connection string box and press connect. The Monkeytype database will be created and shown after the server is started.
These commands will start a local development website on [port 3000](http://localhost:3000) and a local development server on [port 5005](http://localhost:5005). They will automatically rebuild the website/server when you make changes in the `src/` directory. Use <kbd>Ctrl+C</kbd> to stop them.
For guidelines on commit messages, adding themes, languages, or quotes, please refer to [CONTRIBUTING.md](./CONTRIBUTING.md). Following these guidelines will increase the chances of getting your change accepted.
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or problems let me know on [GitHub](https://github.com/Miodec), [Discord](https://discord.gg/monkeytype) in the `#development` channel, or ask a question on Monkeytype's [GitHub discussions](https://github.com/monkeytypegame/monkeytype/discussions) and a contributor will be happy to assist you.
