Introduction:
The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) hosts a diverse array of open source projects that power the infrastructure of modern applications. Contributing to CNCF projects is not only a rewarding experience but also a fantastic way to engage with the vibrant cloud-native community. This guide is designed for beginners, providing step-by-step instructions on how to make meaningful contributions to CNCF open source projects.

1. Choosing Your Project:
Start by exploring the CNCF landscape and identifying a project aligned with your interests and expertise. Popular projects include Kubernetes, Prometheus, Envoy, and many more. Each project has its own GitHub repository, where you can find information about ongoing work and areas that need contributions.

2. Setting Up Your Development Environment:
Before contributing, set up your local development environment. This usually involves installing Git, Docker, and any project-specific dependencies. The project's README or CONTRIBUTING file will provide guidelines on the required tools and configurations.

3. Understanding Contribution Guidelines:
Carefully read the contribution guidelines outlined in the project's repository. These guidelines detail the project's coding standards, the process for submitting issues, and the preferred format for code contributions. Following these guidelines ensures a smoother contribution process.

4. Exploring Beginner-Friendly Issues:
Many CNCF projects tag issues as "beginner-friendly" or "good first issue." These are specifically curated for newcomers, offering a manageable entry point into the project. Start by tackling these issues to get familiar with the project's codebase and contribution workflow.

5. Engaging with the Community:
Join the project's communication channels, such as mailing lists or Slack channels. Introduce yourself to the community, ask questions, and seek guidance. CNCF projects are known for their welcoming communities, and engaging with fellow contributors is an excellent way to learn and grow.

6. Forking and Cloning the Repository:
Fork the project's repository on GitHub to create your copy. Clone the forked repository to your local machine, and create a new branch for your contributions. This branch will be used to isolate your changes from the main codebase.

7. Making Your Contribution:
Whether you're fixing a bug, adding a new feature, or improving documentation, make your changes on the dedicated branch. Regularly commit your work and push it to your forked repository.

8. Submitting a Pull Request:
Once your contribution is ready, submit a pull request (PR) to the main project repository. Provide a clear and concise description of your changes. The project maintainers and community will review your PR, offer feedback, and collaborate with you to ensure the quality of your contribution.

9. Iterating and Learning:
Be open to feedback and iterate on your contribution based on the reviews. Each interaction is an opportunity to learn from experienced contributors and improve your skills.

10. Celebrating Your Contribution:
Upon acceptance of your contribution, celebrate your achievement with the community. Your work has become a part of a larger ecosystem, contributing to the success of a CNCF project.

Conclusion:
Getting started with CNCF open source project contribution may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and community support, it becomes an enriching journey. Embrace the learning process, collaborate with fellow contributors, and make your mark in the ever-evolving world of cloud-native technologies. Happy coding!