> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Contributing to SmartTube

> Help improve SmartTube through translations, bug reports, testing, and code contributions

SmartTube is a community-driven project that welcomes contributions from everyone. Whether you're a developer, translator, or enthusiastic user, there are many ways to help!

## Ways to Contribute

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Translations" icon="language">
    Help translate SmartTube into your language using the online translation tool
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bug Reports" icon="bug">
    Report issues you encounter to help improve stability and features
  </Card>

  <Card title="Testing" icon="flask">
    Test beta releases and provide feedback on new features
  </Card>

  <Card title="Code Contributions" icon="code">
    Submit pull requests with bug fixes or new features
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Translating SmartTube

Help make SmartTube accessible to users worldwide by contributing translations.

### Translation Tool

Use the online Android strings.xml translator:

**[Android Strings.xml Translator](https://jtbrinkmann.de/tools/android-strings-xml-translator.html)**

<Steps>
  <Step title="Load the English strings file">
    Get the current English strings.xml from the SmartTube repository
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your language">
    Choose the language you want to translate to
  </Step>

  <Step title="Translate the strings">
    Translate each string, maintaining placeholders like `%s` and `%d`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit your translation">
    Send the translated file via [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/issues) or email to [firsthash@gmail.com](mailto:firsthash@gmail.com)
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Some translations visible on [GitHub contributors](https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/graphs/contributors) were submitted directly to the developer. Your contribution will be credited!
</Note>

## Reporting Bugs and Issues

Good bug reports help improve SmartTube for everyone.

### Before Reporting

1. **Check the [FAQ](/faq)** - your issue might already be documented
2. **Search existing issues** on [GitHub](https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/issues)
3. **Try to reproduce** the issue consistently
4. **Update to the latest version** to see if it's already fixed

### Writing a Good Bug Report

Include the following information:

```markdown theme={null}
**Device Information:**
- Device model: (e.g., Fire TV Stick 4K, NVIDIA Shield)
- Android version: (e.g., Android 9.0)
- SmartTube version: (e.g., 30.98)
- Build flavor: (beta/stable/fdroid)

**Issue Description:**
- Clear description of the problem
- Steps to reproduce
- Expected behavior
- Actual behavior

**Additional Context:**
- Screenshots or screen recordings
- Error messages or logs
- When the issue started occurring
```

<Warning>
  For crashes or "unknown codec" errors, include the exact error message if possible.
</Warning>

## Testing Beta Releases

Help test new features before they reach stable release.

### How to Help Test

* **Install the beta version** using `kutt.it/stn_beta`
* **Test new features** mentioned in changelogs
* **Report any issues** on GitHub or Telegram
* **Provide feedback** on user experience

<Info>
  Beta releases get new features and bug fixes faster than stable. The built-in updater will notify you of new versions with a changelog.
</Info>

## Code Contributions

Developers can contribute code improvements and new features.

### Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Fork the repository">
    Fork [yuliskov/SmartTube](https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube) on GitHub
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up development environment">
    See the [Building from Source](/community/building) guide for setup instructions
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a feature branch">
    ```bash theme={null}
    git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make your changes">
    Write clean, well-documented code following existing patterns
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test thoroughly">
    Test on multiple devices if possible, especially changes to video playback
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit a pull request">
    Submit your PR with a clear description of changes and why they're needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Code Guidelines

* Follow existing code style and patterns
* Comment complex logic or workarounds
* Test on Android TV devices, not just emulators
* Keep changes focused - one feature or fix per PR
* Update documentation if needed

<Note>
  SmartTube is primarily developed by Yurii Lyskov as a hobby project. Be patient with review times, and understand that not all contributions may be accepted.
</Note>

## Areas That Need Help

From the developer:

### UI/UX Improvements

> "Stock YouTube and YT Kids are far ahead \[in UI]. We'd need someone who's skilled and willing to dedicate enough time and energy into making it. And into maintaining it longterm (incl. new features, bug fixes). All of this for free."

If you have UI/UX skills for Android TV apps, your help would be invaluable.

### Search Page Enhancement

> "It can be improved, but it takes someone to do it... Maybe a future SmartTube update can add an embedded keyboard, similar to the original YouTube or other major Android TV apps."

Improving the search experience would benefit all users.

## Recognition

Contributors are recognized through:

* **GitHub contributors page**: [View contributors](https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/graphs/contributors)
* **Credits in the app**: Translation and code contributors
* **Community appreciation**: The gratitude of thousands of SmartTube users!

## Contact

Questions about contributing?

* **GitHub Issues**: [yuliskov/SmartTube/issues](https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/issues)
* **Email**: [firsthash@gmail.com](mailto:firsthash@gmail.com)
* **Telegram**: [@SmartTubeEN](http://t.me/SmartTubeEN)