How can developers effectively contribute to Liferay's codebase?

Developers can effectively contribute to Liferay's codebase primarily by submitting pull requests and developing plugins. This approach promotes collaboration and enhances the overall functionality of the Liferay platform. When developers create plugins, they can extend Liferay's capabilities, add new features, or improve existing ones. By submitting pull requests, developers open their work for review by the community, allowing for collaborative improvements and ensuring that changes meet the platform's standards.

This collaborative process not only helps maintain the quality of Liferay’s code but also fosters a community of developers who can share knowledge and best practices. It encourages open-source contributions, allowing developers to build on each other's work, share ideas, and drive innovation within the Liferay ecosystem. Engaging in this manner also helps developers stay updated with best practices, enhance their skills, and contribute to the community while gaining recognition for their efforts.

In contrast, avoiding the use of plugins would limit a developer's ability to enhance the platform. Purchasing commercial licenses does not directly contribute to the codebase, and keeping changes private prevents collaboration and the sharing of potentially valuable innovations with the wider community.