How can I help with Bitcoin development?

[webertz]

Hey all, I'm a new developer, earning a bachelor's in CS this fall. I'd like to contribute to the bitcoin project, but I don't know where to start. Is there some pressing work that the protocol needs that a new developer can help with?

[Relnarien]

The first thing that you need to do is to get yourself acquainted with the source code. Pick it apart and learn how it works. Once you have familiarized yourself well enough with the code, then you would be more adequately equipped to find any existing vulnerabilities in it and offer a lasting and secure solution. Simply pointing you to random bits and pieces of the code does not help anyone.

[rapport]

As been said, here's what you can pick apart and learn how it works: https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin

[isidore]

Hanging out here and viewing small bugs may help:
https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/issues

Also consider subscribing to the mailing list to see what's being talked about by the core devs:
https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/bitcoin-development