Join the Community

Welcome! We’re excited to have you join the CAC Ontology community. Here’s how to get started.

Getting Started

1. Explore the Project

Before joining, familiarize yourself with:

• Getting Started Guide - Introduction to CAC Ontology
• Ontology Documentation - Technical documentation
• Examples - Real-world use cases
• GitHub Repository - Source code and issues

2. Set Up Your Environment

• Clone the repository:

  git clone https://github.com/Project-VIC-International/CAC-Ontology.git
  

• Review the documentation
• Try the examples
• Explore the ontology files

3. Choose How to Contribute

There are many ways to contribute:

• Code - Improve ontology modules, add features, fix bugs
• Documentation - Write guides, improve existing docs, create examples
• Testing - Test features, validate files, report issues
• Community - Answer questions, help others, share knowledge
• Use Cases - Share how you’re using the ontology

Contribution Workflow

For Code Contributions

1. Fork the Repository
   • Create your own fork on GitHub
2. Create a Branch
   • Create a feature branch for your changes
   • Use descriptive branch names
3. Make Changes
   • Follow coding standards and guidelines
   • Write clear commit messages
   • Test your changes
4. Submit a Pull Request
   • Open a pull request with a clear description
   • Reference any related issues
   • Wait for review and feedback

For Documentation

1. Identify What to Improve
   • Find unclear or missing documentation
   • Check for outdated information
2. Make Your Changes
   • Edit documentation files
   • Follow existing style and format
   • Add examples where helpful
3. Submit Changes
   • Create a pull request
   • Describe what you changed and why

Guidelines

Code of Conduct

• Be respectful and inclusive
• Welcome newcomers and help them learn
• Focus on constructive feedback
• Respect different viewpoints and experiences

Contributing Guidelines

Review the Contributing Guidelines for:

• Coding standards
• Documentation style
• Commit message format
• Pull request process

License

By contributing, you agree that your contributions will be licensed under the Apache License 2.0.

Communication

Email Support

Primary Contact: support@projectvic.zendesk.com

For questions about CAC Ontology or to join the CAC Ontology effort, please send an email to the address above. This is the preferred method for:

• Joining the CAC Ontology effort
• Asking questions about the ontology
• General inquiries about the project

GitHub

• Issues: Report bugs, request features, ask technical questions
• Discussions: Participate in community discussions
• Pull Requests: Submit code and documentation changes

Project VIC International

• Connect through Project VIC International channels
• Participate in community events
• Share use cases and experiences

Getting Help

If you need help:

1. Check Documentation - Review the Getting Started Guide and Documentation
2. Search Issues - Look for similar questions in GitHub Issues
3. Email Support - Send questions or requests to join to support@projectvic.zendesk.com
4. Ask Questions - Open a new issue or discussion on GitHub
5. Contact - Reach out through the Contact page

Recognition

We value all contributions:

• Code contributions are credited in commit history
• Significant contributions may be recognized in release notes
• Community members are appreciated for their support

Next Steps

1. Fork the Repository
2. Review Contributing Guidelines
3. Find an Issue to Work On
4. Join Discussions

Welcome to the community!

Related Links

• Community Overview
• Adopters
• Meetings
• Contact