When it comes to coding, learning never stops. And the best place to stay updated, sharpen your skills, and learn from top developers is GitHub. But with millions of repositories available, it’s hard to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve made it easier for you.
In this blog, we’re sharing 15 must-follow GitHub repositories every developer should check out. Whether you’re just starting or you’re deep into your dev career, these repos will boost your knowledge, skills, and confidence. Let’s dive into the world of GitHub for developers—and find out where the real gold is.
Table of Contents
FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp is one of the most popular platforms for learning how to code—absolutely free. Its GitHub repository is open-source and packed with coding challenges, full-length tutorials, and thousands of real-world projects.
When you visit the FreeCodeCamp GitHub repo, you’ll find:
- Source code for their full learning platform
- Tutorials and certification programs in web development, JavaScript, Python, and more
- Open issues for contributors who want to help improve the platform
- A huge community of developers from all over the world
If you’re someone who’s just starting out, or if you want to build projects while learning, FreeCodeCamp is the perfect place. You’ll work on real problems, get feedback from the community, and even earn certificates that you can show on your resume or LinkedIn.
Why You Should Follow It:
Because it’s one of the best free resources on the internet. Whether you’re learning HTML/CSS, JavaScript, React, APIs, or preparing for interviews, FreeCodeCamp has you covered.
Awesome
The Awesome repo is a huge collection of the best resources on everything—programming languages, tools, frameworks, and more. It links to high-quality content curated by developers for developers.
Why follow it?
If you want quick access to the best tutorials, libraries, and guides in one place, this repo is gold. Perfect for exploring GitHub for developers who love organized, top-rated content.
JavaScript Algorithms
This repo explains popular algorithms and data structures using JavaScript, complete with visuals and clear code examples. It’s great for beginners and interview prep.
Why follow it?
It helps you understand core concepts in a simple, visual way—perfect for brushing up before interviews or coding tests. A must-have for anyone learning JavaScript or algorithms on GitHub.
Build Your Own X
This repo teaches you how to build real systems like your own OS, shell, database, or even a search engine—from scratch. It links to project-based tutorials in various languages.
Why follow it?
You’ll learn how things work under the hood by actually building them. It’s perfect for deep learning and boosting your skills. Ideal for hands-on developers who love challenges.
30 Seconds of Code
30 Seconds of Code is a popular GitHub repository filled with short, useful JavaScript code snippets that solve everyday coding problems in under 30 seconds. Each snippet includes a simple explanation, syntax, and examples.
The repo covers a wide range of topics like:
- Array manipulation
- Object operations
- String formatting
- DOM tricks
- ES6+ features
- Why follow it?
- If you’re learning JavaScript or want quick solutions, this repo is perfect. It helps you write cleaner and smarter code faster, without digging through long tutorials. A go-to resource on GitHub for developers who like learning in bite-sized chunks.
System Design Primer
The System Design Primer helps you understand how to build complex, large-scale software systems—just like the ones used by big tech companies. It breaks down tough topics into clear explanations, diagrams, and examples.
In this repo, you’ll find:
- Guides on system design basics (like caching, databases, and scaling)
- Sample system design questions and real-world solutions
- Practice problems for interview prep
- Tips to build reliable, scalable backend systems
Why follow it?
If you’re preparing for tech interviews or want to master backend architecture, this repo is gold. It makes system design easier to learn and apply.
A must-follow on GitHub for developers serious about cracking interviews and improving software architecture skills. Bonus Read: Top Coding Interview Tips for 2025
Public APIs
Public APIs is a massive, regularly updated list of free APIs for developers. Whether you’re building a weather app, news site, finance tracker, or even a game—this repo has something for you.
It includes APIs for:
- Weather, maps, and location
- Finance, business, and cryptocurrency
- Games, anime, and entertainment
- Email, SMS, and messaging tools
- Authentication, AI, and more
Why follow it?
You get access to hundreds of free APIs for personal and professional projects. It saves you hours of searching online. Each API listing includes useful details like authentication needs, HTTPS support, and categories. A treasure trove on GitHub for developers looking to supercharge apps with real-world data.
Developer Roadmap & Front-End Checklist
Not sure what to learn next? The Developer Roadmap repo provides clear, updated learning paths for front-end, back-end, DevOps, and more. It guides you step-by-step so you always know what to focus on next.
Pair it with the Front-End Checklist, a powerful tool that ensures your websites follow best practices—from accessibility and SEO to performance and security.
Why follow them?
Together, they help you grow your skills and deliver polished, professional web projects. A perfect combo in GitHub for developers who want a clear path and a clean finish.
Tech Interview Handbook
Tech Interview Handbook is your all-in-one guide to cracking technical interviews. It was created by a former Facebook engineer and includes everything you need—from coding questions to resume tips.
Inside the repo, you’ll find:
- Common data structure and algorithm problems
- Behavioral interview questions and answers
- Resume-building tips and do’s & don’ts
- Interview strategies for FAANG and top tech companies
Why follow it?
It prepares you for every stage of the interview—from application to final round. This is one of the most complete guides on GitHub for developers who want to land top-tier jobs. Use it alongside our Top Coding Interview Tips for 2025 for best results.
Code Smarter with Projects, JS Mastery & Node Tips
If you learn best by building, Project-Based Learning is perfect. It links to tutorials where you can create real-world projects like games, APIs, web apps, and more. It’s a hands-on way to level up your coding skills. For JavaScript lovers, You Don’t Know JS is a deep-dive into the language’s core mechanics.
It’s not just another JS guide—it helps you truly understand how JavaScript works behind the scenes. If you use Node.js on the backend, the Node.js Best Practices repo is a must-follow. It’s packed with practical rules, clean code tips, and architecture guides that help you write secure, scalable, and maintainable code.
Why follow them?
Because together, they help you build smarter, code cleaner and master both the front-end and back-end. These are essential in any list of GitHub for developers looking to grow through practice and clean code.
CSS Protips
CSS Protips is a handy list of smart CSS tips and tricks to help you write cleaner, faster, and more effective styles. It’s beginner-friendly but also great for experienced developers looking to improve their front-end workflow.
Inside the repo, you’ll find:
- Practical tips like using shorthand, handling responsiveness, and writing better selectors
- Performance-boosting techniques for cleaner CSS
- Best practices for real-world projects
Why follow it?
It helps you avoid common mistakes and gives you quick wins in your front-end code. A favorite in the GitHub for developers world—especially for those working with UI and design.
Awesome Python
Awesome Python is a carefully curated list of the best Python libraries, tools, and frameworks across categories like web development, data science, machine learning, automation, and more.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Top Python packages for testing, APIs, and scraping
- Tools for AI, ML, and data visualization
- Frameworks like Django, Flask, FastAPI, and more
- Resources for beginners and pros alike
Why follow it?
It saves you time by listing only the most trusted and high-quality Python tools. Whether you’re building websites or analyzing data, this repo is a powerful toolbox for every Python developer. A must-follow on GitHub for developers who code in Python or want to expand their skill set.
Also read: Top Python Projects to Learn in 2025
FAQs – GitHub for Developers
What is GitHub, and why should developers use it?
GitHub is a platform where developers can store, share, and collaborate on code. It helps you learn from others, contribute to open-source, and build real-world projects.
Which GitHub repos are best for beginner developers?
Repos like FreeCodeCamp, 30 Seconds of Code, and Project-Based Learning are great for beginners learning coding step-by-step.
How can GitHub for Developers help with interview prep?
Repos like The System Design Primer and Tech Interview Handbook offer detailed guides, coding problems, and strategies to prepare for technical interviews.
Can I contribute to these GitHub repos as a student or beginner?
Yes! Most open-source repos welcome contributions from beginners. Start with easy issues labeled “good first issue” and follow their contribution guidelines.
Is GitHub free for developers to use?
Yes, GitHub offers free accounts for developers. You can create private or public repos, join open-source projects, and explore countless tools and resources for free.
Final Thoughts on Using GitHub for Developer Success
We know it’s hard to keep track of all the tools, trends, and tutorials. That’s why following these 15 GitHub repositories can help you stay focused and constantly improve. Remember, GitHub for developers isn’t just for storing code—it’s a place to explore, learn, and grow.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these repos are your secret weapons to becoming a better coder. If you found this guide helpful, we’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to explore more tutorials, resources, and developer tips on FiveStarCoder.
Quick Recap
- GitHub is full of helpful repos for learning, building, and growing.
- These 15 are handpicked to boost your skills fast.
- Use them to practice algorithms, learn system design, explore APIs, and master new tools.