==========================
Contribution Guidelines
==========================

Thank you for contributing to **PreppyData**! Your contributions are crucial to improving the platform and providing better features for all users. Please follow the steps below to contribute effectively.

How to Contribute
-----------------

.. note::
   Follow these steps to ensure your contributions are effective and valuable.
1. Report Issues
================

If you encounter any bugs or have suggestions for improvements:

**Describe the Issue:**
- Provide a clear and detailed description of the issue.
- Include steps to reproduce the problem.
- Attach any relevant screenshots or error messages.

**Submit the Report:**
- Open an issue in the GitHub repository.

2. Suggest Features or Improvements
====================================

Have an idea to enhance PreppyData?

**Outline Your Proposal:**
- Clearly explain the feature or improvement you're suggesting.
- Describe how it benefits users or enhances the platform.

**Submit Your Suggestion:**
- Open an issue in the GitHub repository.

3. Contribute Code
===================

To contribute code to the project, follow these steps:

**Step 1: Fork the Repository**
- Go to the PreppyData GitHub repository.
- Click the "Fork" button in the top-right corner to create a copy of the repository under your GitHub account.

**Step 2: Clone Your Forked Repository**
- Use the URL of your forked repository to clone it to your local machine:
  ```bash
  git clone https://github.com/<your-username>/PreppyData.git
  ```
  Replace `<your-username>` with your GitHub username.

**Step 3: Navigate to the Project Directory**
- Move into the project folder:
  ```bash
  cd PreppyData
  ```

**Step 4: Create a New Branch**
- Create a new branch to work on your changes:
  ```bash
  git checkout -b feature/<your-feature-name>
  ```
  Replace `<your-feature-name>` with a descriptive name for your branch, such as `add-user-authentication` or `fix-bug-123`.

**Step 5: Make Your Changes**
- Implement the feature or bug fix.
- Follow the Coding Standards outlined below.

**Step 6: Commit Your Changes**
- Stage and commit your changes with a clear message:
  ```bash
  git add .
  git commit -m "Add feature: <brief description>"
  ```

**Step 7: Push Your Changes**
- Push your changes to the branch on your forked repository:
  ```bash
  git push origin feature/<your-feature-name>
  ```

**Step 8: Create a Pull Request**
- Go to your forked repository on GitHub.
- Click the "Compare & pull request" button.
- Provide a clear and concise description of your changes.
- Submit the pull request to the original repository at `GIPSYDANGER-1/PreppyData`.

Coding Standards
----------------

To maintain consistency and ensure quality:

- **Programming Language:** Python 3.x
- **Style Guide:** Follow PEP 8 for Python code.
- **Naming Conventions:**
  - Variables and functions: `snake_case`
  - Classes: `CamelCase`
- **Documentation:**
  - Include docstrings for all modules, classes, and functions.
  - Add clear comments where necessary.
- **Testing:**
  - Write unit tests for new features or fixes.
  - Ensure all tests pass before submitting a pull request.

Submission Process
------------------

Before submitting your contribution:

1. **Test Thoroughly:**
   - Run all existing tests to confirm your changes do not introduce issues.
   - Perform manual testing for additional verification if necessary.

2. **Prepare Documentation:**
   - Update or add documentation related to your changes.
   - Ensure any user-facing updates are reflected in the documentation.

3. **Submit a Clear Pull Request:**
   - Summarize your changes and explain the reasoning behind them.
   - Reference related issue numbers (e.g., Closes #123).

Contact
-------

If you have any questions or need assistance:

- **Email:** `woonyko@naver.com`
- **GitHub Issues:** Use the Issues page for bug reports and suggestions.