10 Best GitHub Repositories: Hidden Gems for Developers

10 Best GitHub Repositories: Hidden Gems for Developers

Joberty Editorial 5 min read

In the ever-expanding programming landscape, navigating through a sea of resources can feel like a daunting quest. Whether you’re embarking on your coding odyssey or have been taming lines of code for years, one treasure trove stands out amidst the digital wilderness: GitHub. It’s the ultimate realm where developers unite, collaborate, and share their expertise. But, amid the countless repositories, some real gems can get lost in the shuffle.

In this article, we’ve donned our virtual explorer hats to uncover a collection of remarkable GitHub repositories that fly under the radar, waiting to be discovered by intrepid developers like you. From novice-friendly creations to intricate projects challenging even seasoned veterans, this list strikes the perfect harmony between accessible and advanced.

1. Web Dev For Beginners by Microsoft

70.4k ⭐️ |  11k forks

Microsoft brings its expertise to the table with this comprehensive WebDev course. Designed by pros and for beginners, the repository offers 24 lessons spanning over 12 weeks, covering various web development topics. Whether you’re delving into HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or frameworks, this course has got your back.

Learn the building blocks of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML through a meticulously crafted curriculum, courtesy of Microsoft Cloud Advocates. Each lesson has pre- and post-lesson quizzes, detailed written instructions, solutions, assignments, and more. Embracing a project-based approach, this course enables you to develop practical skills through hands-on building, ensuring a more profound understanding of the concepts. With an emphasis on effective pedagogy, Microsoft’s course empowers you to enhance your skills and optimise knowledge retention.

2. Coding Interview University

259k ⭐️  |  68k forks

Preparing for coding interviews can be daunting, but this repo has you covered. The Coding Interview University provides a meticulously organised computer science study plan to help you become a software engineer. With a multi-month curriculum, it offers study materials, practice websites, and invaluable tips and tricks to ace your incoming technical interview.

3. Developer Roadmap

241k ⭐️ |  34k forks

If you’re unsure about the path to take in your developer journey, the Developer Roadmap repository — your trusty guide through the vast world of software development — is here to help you. This invaluable resource presents a collection of 22 interactive roadmaps that offer clear and comprehensive guidance across various roles and skill-based categories. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this repository is designed to assist you in navigating your path and advancing your skills.

The Developer Roadmap repository, a collaborative effort known as roadmap.sh, is dedicated to providing developers with roadmaps, guides, and educational content to aid in their learning journey. It’s a community-driven initiative that aims to assist developers in selecting the right path and acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen domain. So, if you find yourself at a crossroads, let the Developer Roadmap repository be your beacon of guidance. Explore the interactive roadmaps and embark on a learning adventure that aligns with your goals. Whether you aspire to be a frontend developer, backend engineer, or specialist in a specific field, this repository has the resources to steer you in the right direction.

4. Tech Interview Handbook

91.3k ⭐️  |  11.9k forks

Busy software engineers will appreciate the Tech Interview Handbook. This repository curates coding interview preparation materials, covering practice questions, interviewing techniques, and more. It’s the go-to resource for honing your skills and preparing for those crucial job interviews.

5. Free For Dev

70.4k ⭐️ |  7.7k forks

DevOps enthusiasts, rejoice! Get ready to celebrate because Free For Dev is your ultimate curated list of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offerings with free tiers. With an extensive collection of services, this resource simplifies the process of making informed decisions for developers and Open Source authors.

Gone are the days of struggling to find all the available free tiers. Free For Dev compiles a comprehensive list of software and other offerings that provide free tiers specifically tailored for developers. Focused on infrastructure developers like System Administrators and DevOps Practitioners, this list showcases services that will likely be incredibly useful in their day-to-day work. The contributions and reviews of over 1100+ individuals have shaped this comprehensive resource, and you too can contribute. If you come across new services or find changes in offerings, you’re encouraged to submit Pull Requests to keep the list up to date.

6. Realworld

74.7k ⭐️ |  6.9k forks

“The mother of all demo apps” — ever wondered how a Medium.com clone is built using different frontends and backends? Realworld is a fascinating repository that allows you to explore the same project implemented with various technologies. This hands-on experience is beneficial in deepening your understanding of different technologies and their practical applications.

7. freeCodeCamp

368k ⭐️ |  32.3k forks

freeCodeCamp is the most popular repository on GitHub. It is the backbone of the freeCodeCamp website, offering a vast range of free computer science learning materials. From responsive web design to machine learning, the repository provides over 9,000 tutorials and 11 core certifications. Consider contributing to this organisation — it allows you to give back to the community while sharpening your skills.

8. Free Programming Books

282k ⭐️ |  55.6k forks

Knowledge should be accessible to everyone, and the Free Programming Books repository embodies this principle. It compiles an extensive collection of free learning resources in multiple languages, all organised with excellent user experience in mind. Whether you’re seeking to expand your knowledge or delve into a new programming language, this repository is a valuable asset.

9. System Design Primer

222k ⭐️ |  39.3k forks

System design plays a crucial role in building scalable and robust applications. The System Design Primer repository is an open-source project that offers a comprehensive collection of educational materials to help you understand large-scale system design. With flashcards, interactive coding challenges, and system design interview preparation questions, this repository equips you with the knowledge needed to tackle complex architectural problems.

10. React

209k ⭐️ |  43.6k forks

When it comes to building user interfaces, React is a JavaScript library that stands out from the crowd. Created by an engineer at Meta, React offers a powerful toolset for developers to create dynamic and interactive UIs. The repository not only serves as the backend for the official ReactJS website, but also acts as a hub for community contributions, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation. With a vibrant community and extensive documentation, the stylishly-spelled facebook/react repository is a must-visit for developers seeking to master the art of building modern, responsive, and scalable user interfaces.

Conclusion

More than just repositories, these projects are the stepping stones to your growth as a developer. By exploring these hidden gems, you’ll not only gain valuable insights but also broaden your horizons and connect with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, it’s crucial for developers to stay ahead of the curve. GitHub, with its vast repository ecosystem, provides an invaluable resource for programmers of all levels. From Microsoft’s beginner-friendly Web Dev course to the expansive freeCodeCamp repository, each project listed here offers a unique avenue for learning and development.

So, whether you’re starting your coding journey or seeking to level up your skills, dive into these repositories and discover the wealth of knowledge they hold. Embrace the opportunity to learn from experts, contribute to open-source projects, and build your programming repertoire.

Happy coding!