Start contributing to LNbits

Find a task matching your skillset and make a difference. Every contribution matters - from a one-line fix to onboarding a whole community.

START BUILDING

Write code that powers Lightning for thousands

Pick a good first issue, set up FakeWallet, and ship your first PR. The codebase is Python + FastAPI on the backend, Vue 3 + Quasar on the frontend.

Browse good first issues

Python 3.10+Runtime Install with uvRecommended FakeWalletNo node needed Dev environment setupFull guide

Set up your environment

Everything you need to start coding. No Lightning node required - FakeWallet simulates payments locally.

Good first issues Architecture overviewRead first Building ExtensionsFull guide Extension BuilderNo-Code Deploy to Registry

Pick an issue

Start with a "good first issue" to learn the codebase, or dive into extension development if you want to build something new.

Include a screen recording or screenshot in the PR description

Test locally with FakeWallet before requesting review

Write a human-readable description of what changed and why

Keep PRs focused on one change - split large work into smaller PRs

Run make format before pushing to pass linting checks

Submit your PR

A good pull request is easy to review and merge. Follow these practices.

Share your PR on X or Nostr to inspire other developers

Review other contributors’ PRs - code review is a contribution too

Join the Telegram group for questions, feedback, and coordination

Check the roadmap for larger features that need ownership

Pick an issue

Ship it

Your code is merged. Welcome to the contributor team.

Frequently asked questions

Showing questions for Developers

The Telegram group is the heartbeat of the community. Core devs, extension builders, and users are all there. For longer questions, open a GitHub Discussion.

LNbits is volunteer open-source, but there are paths. OpenSats and HRF fund contributors. Extension developers can monetize via pay-to-install in the registry. Some community members tip contributors over Lightning directly.

MIT. Use it, fork it, sell it, remix it. The only rule is keeping the license notice. See the LICENSE file.

Backend is Python + FastAPI. Frontend is Vue 3 + Quasar. The architecture page has the full picture. Not a coder yet? The Extension Builder lets you create extensions through a visual wizard.

Clone the repo, install with uv, set LNBITS_BACKEND_WALLET_CLASS=FakeWallet, and run. No Lightning node needed. The contributing guide has the full walkthrough.

git fetch origin pull/ID/head:pr-ID && git checkout pr-ID, then uv sync && lnbits with FakeWallet. Check the contributing guide for the detailed steps.

Start with the extension development guide, use Polar for local Lightning testing, then list it in the registry. Want to charge for it? The monetization docs cover pay-to-install setup.

Translation infrastructure is being planned. Jump into Telegram if you want to help shape it. Early volunteers get to define how it works.

Get in touch

Questions, ideas, or just want to say hello? Here is how to reach the LNbits team.