add contribution guidelines

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+### **`CONTRIBUTING.md`**
+
+# Contributing to AWS JSON Term Matcher
+
+Thank you for considering contributing to `aws_json_term_matcher`! Contributions are what make the open-source community such an amazing place to learn, inspire, and create. We welcome contributions of all kinds, including bug reports, feature suggestions, code improvements, and documentation updates.
+
+---
+
+## How to Contribute
+
+### 1. Fork the Repository
+
+Start by forking the repository:
+
+1. Navigate to the repository on GitHub: [aws_json_term_matcher](https://github.com/localstack/aws-json-term-matcher.git)
+2. Click the **Fork** button in the top-right corner of the page.
+
+### 2. Clone the Fork
+
+Clone your forked repository to your local machine:
+
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/localstack/aws-json-term-matcher.git
+cd aws_json_term_matcher
+```
+
+### 3. Create a Branch
+
+Create a new branch for your changes:
+
+```bash
+git checkout -b feature/my-feature
+```
+
+### 4. Make Changes
+
+- Ensure all changes adhere to the existing code style.
+- Add tests for any new functionality in the `tests` folder.
+- Update documentation in the `README.md` if necessary.
+
+### 5. Run Tests
+
+Run the test suite to verify your changes don’t break anything:
+
+```bash
+pytest
+```
+
+Make sure all tests pass before submitting your contribution.
+
+### 6. Commit and Push
+
+Commit your changes with a clear and concise commit message:
+
+```bash
+git add .
+git commit -m "Add feature: my-feature"
+git push origin feature/my-feature
+```
+
+### 7. Open a Pull Request
+
+Go to the original repository on GitHub and open a pull request:
+
+1. Navigate to the **Pull Requests** tab.
+2. Click **New Pull Request**.
+3. Select your fork and branch as the source, and the main repository as the target.
+4. Write a clear description of the changes in the pull request.
+5. Submit your pull request for review.
+
+
+## Reporting Issues
+
+If you encounter bugs, have suggestions, or want to request features:
+
+1. Check the [issues](https://github.com/localstack/aws-json-term-matcher/issues) to see if someone else has already reported it.
+2. If not, create a new issue with:
+   - A descriptive title.
+   - Steps to reproduce (for bugs).
+   - Any additional details that could help.
+
+---
+
+## Community Guidelines
+
+- Be respectful of others' contributions.
+- Review open pull requests if you have expertise.
+- Ask questions or suggest improvements in the issues section.
+
+---
+
+Thank you for contributing to `aws_json_term_matcher`! 😊
+

README.md

@@ -54,3 +54,7 @@ In this example, the tool filters a log based on bandwidth and latency values, s
 
 ### Documentation
 For more information about the original JSON term matching feature in AWS CloudWatch Logs, check out the [official AWS documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonCloudWatch/latest/logs/FilterAndPatternSyntax.html#matching-terms-json-log-events).
+
+## Contributing
+
+Contributions are welcome and appreciated! Please read our [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) file for guidelines on how to contribute to this project.