For new contributors, please take a look at issues with tag called [Good first issue](https://github.com/apache/incubator-apisix/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+label%3A%22good+first+issue%22) or [Help wanted](https://github.com/apache/incubator-apisix/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+label%3A%22help+wanted%22).
* If you're unable to find an open issue addressing the problem, [open a new one](https://github.com/apache/incubator-apisix/issues/new). Be sure to include a **title and clear description**, as much relevant information as possible, and a **code sample** or an **executable test case** demonstrating the expected behavior that is not occurring.
_Before making any significant changes, please [open an issue](https://github.com/apache/incubator-apisix/issues)._ Discussing your proposed changes ahead of time will make the contribution process smooth for everyone.
Once we've discussed your changes and you've got your code ready, make sure that tests are passing and open your pull request. Your PR is most likely to be accepted if it:
* Update the README.md with details of changes to the interface.
* Includes tests for new functionality.
* References the original issue in description, e.g. "Resolves #123".
* Has a [good commit message](http://tbaggery.com/2008/04/19/a-note-about-git-commit-messages.html).
In general use active voice when formulating the sentence instead of passive voice. A sentence written in the active voice will emphasize
the person or thing who is performing an action (eg.The dog chased the ball). In contrast, the passive voice will highlight
the recipient of the action (The ball was chased by the dog). Therefor use the passive voice, only when it's less important
who or what completed the action and more important that the action was completed. For example:
- Recommended: The key-auth plugin authenticates the requests.
- Not recommended: The requests are authenticated by the key-auth plugin.
* Capitalization:
* For titles of a section, capitalize the first letter of each word except for the [closed-class words](http://babelnet.sbg.ac.at/themepark/grammar/classes.htm)
such as determiners, pronouns, conjunctions, and prepositions. Use the following [link](https://capitalizemytitle.com/#Chicago) for guidance.
- Recommended: Authentication **with** APISIX
* For normal sentences don't [capitalize](https://www.grammarly.com/blog/capitalization-rules/) random words in the middle of the sentences.
Use the Chicago manual for capitalization rules for the documentation.
* Second Person
In general, use second person in your docs rather than first person. For example:
- Recommended: You are recommended to use the docker based deployment.
- Not Recommended: We recommend to use the docker based deployment.
* Spellings
Use [American spellings](https://www.oxfordinternationalenglish.com/differences-in-british-and-american-spelling/) when
contributing to the documentation.
* Voice
* Use a friendly and conversational tone. Always use simple sentences. If the sentence is lengthy try to break it in to smaller sentences.