> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.heygaia.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Contributing Guidelines

> Learn how to contribute to GAIA with our contribution guidelines and best practices

GAIA is built in the open, and contributions of every size are welcome, bug fixes, features, docs, and integrations. This page covers the conventions your contribution needs to follow.

<Tip>
  **Quick Setup**: Install the GAIA CLI globally, then run `gaia init` to automatically set up your development environment.

  <Snippet file="cli-install.mdx" />

  This guide covers the manual process for contributors who prefer full control.
</Tip>

## Getting Started

Before making your first contribution:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Code of Conduct" icon="handshake" href="https://github.com/theexperiencecompany/gaia/blob/master/.github/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md">
    Read our community guidelines
  </Card>

  <Card title="Development Setup" icon="laptop-code" href="/developers/development-setup">
    Set up your local environment
  </Card>

  <Card title="Code Style Guide" icon="code" href="/configuration/code-style">
    Learn our coding standards
  </Card>

  <Card title="Commands Reference" icon="terminal" href="/developers/commands">
    Discover available mise commands
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Ways to Contribute

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Bug Fixes" icon="bug">
    Help us squash bugs and improve stability
  </Card>

  <Card title="New Features" icon="plus">
    Add exciting new capabilities to GAIA
  </Card>

  <Card title="Documentation" icon="book">
    Improve guides, add examples, or fix typos
  </Card>

  <Card title="Testing" icon="flask">
    Write tests to improve code coverage and reliability
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Contribution Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Fork & Clone">
    **Fork** the repository on GitHub and clone **your fork** locally:

    ```bash theme={null}
    git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/gaia.git
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a Branch">
    Create a new branch for your feature or fix:

    ```bash theme={null}
    git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make Changes">
    Make your changes following our coding standards and best practices.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Commit & Push">
    Commit your changes with a descriptive message following our [conventional commits](/configuration/conventional-commits) format:

    ```bash theme={null}
    git add .
    git commit -m "feat: your commit message"
    git push origin your-branch-name
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Pull Request">
    Open a [pull request on GitHub](https://github.com/theexperiencecompany/gaia/pulls) with a clear description of your changes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Recognition

Contributors are recognized in:

* **README.md** contributors section
* **Release notes** for significant contributions
* **Discord** contributor role and channels

## Getting Help

* **Documentation**: Check our comprehensive docs
* **Discord**: Join our community for real-time help
* **Issues**: Search existing issues or create a new one
* **Discussions**: Use GitHub Discussions for questions and ideas

Thank you for contributing to GAIA! 🚀