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+# Contributing to PDF Statement Reader
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing to PDF Statement Reader! This document provides guidelines and information about contributing to this project.
+
+## Getting Started
+
+1. Fork the repository on GitHub
+2. Clone your fork locally:
+```bash
+git clone git@github.com:your-username/pdf_statement_reader.git
+```
+3. Set up your development environment:
+```bash
+uv sync
+```
+
+## Development Process
+
+1. Create a new branch for your feature or bugfix:
+```bash
+git checkout -b feature-name
+```
+
+2. Make your changes, following our coding standards
+3. Write or update tests as needed
+4. Run the test suite to ensure everything passes
+5. Commit your changes with a clear commit message following conventional commits format
+6. Push to your fork and submit a pull request
+
+## Commit Messages
+
+We follow the [Conventional Commits](https://www.conventionalcommits.org/) specification for commit messages. Each commit message should be structured as follows:
+
+```
+<type>[optional scope]: <description>
+
+[optional body]
+
+[optional footer(s)]
+```
+
+Types include:
+- `feat`: A new feature
+- `fix`: A bug fix
+- `docs`: Documentation only changes
+- `style`: Changes that do not affect the meaning of the code
+- `refactor`: A code change that neither fixes a bug nor adds a feature
+- `perf`: A code change that improves performance
+- `test`: Adding missing tests or correcting existing tests
+- `chore`: Changes to the build process or auxiliary tools
+
+Examples:
+```
+feat(parser): add ability to parse HSBC statements
+fix(config): correct column mapping for Absa statements
+docs: update configuration guide
+test(validation): add tests for balance validation
+```
+
+## Adding New Statement Configurations
+
+One of the most valuable ways to contribute is by adding support for new bank statement formats:
+
+1. Create a new configuration file in the appropriate location:
+   ```
+   config > [country code] > [bank] > [statement type].json
+   ```
+
+2. Follow the configuration format as described in the README.md
+3. Test your configuration with sample statements
+4. Include documentation about the new format in your pull request
+
+## Pull Request Guidelines
+
+- Include a clear description of the changes
+- Add/update tests for any new functionality
+- Ensure all tests pass
+- Update documentation as needed
+- Follow existing code style and conventions
+
+## Running Tests
+
+Before submitting a pull request, make sure all tests pass:
+
+```bash
+# Run the test suite
+pytest
+
+# Check code coverage
+pytest --cov=pdf_statement_reader
+```
+
+## Code Style
+
+- Follow PEP 8 guidelines for Python code
+- Use meaningful variable and function names
+- Add docstrings for functions and classes
+- Comment complex logic as needed
+
+## Reporting Issues
+
+When reporting issues, please include:
+
+- A clear description of the problem
+- Steps to reproduce the issue
+- Expected vs actual behavior
+- Version information (Python version, package version)
+- Any relevant error messages or logs
+
+## License
+
+By contributing to PDF Statement Reader, you agree that your contributions will be licensed under the same license as the project.
+
+## Questions?
+
+If you have questions about contributing, feel free to open an issue for discussion.
+
+Thank you for contributing to PDF Statement Reader! 
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