GitGenius evaluates a GitHub user's activity and influence using only official GitHub APIs (REST + GraphQL).
Raw counts are normalized to avoid bias toward very large or old accounts.
The final GitGenius Score combines activity and influence scores, with an additional boost for users who indicate they are hireable.
The scoring methodology includes the following metrics:
GET /users/{username} – profile metadata
GET /users/{username}/repos – repositories
GraphQL contributionsCollection – last 12 months
activityScore = logNorm(totalContributions)
influenceScore = logNorm(followers + stars×2 + forks)
gitGeniusScore = (activityScore × 0.55) + (influenceScore × 0.45) + 0.15 if hireable = true
| Component | Weight | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | 55% | Rewards recent engagement |
| Influence | 45% | Measures impact and adoption |
| Hireable | +0.15 | Signals collaboration intent |
Both activity and influence scores use logarithmic normalization (log₁₀(n + 1)) to handle the wide range of GitHub metrics fairly.
| Score Range | Interpretation | Classification Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 2.5 | Minimal to emerging activity/influence | Typically Specialist |
| 2.5 – 2.8 | Active contributor threshold | Builder (if activity), Specialist (if influence only) |
| 2.8 – 3.5 | Significant activity and/or influence | Core Maintainer (if both high), Builder or emerging Influencer |
| 3.5+ | High influence level | Influencer or Core Maintainer |
Note: Classification depends on both activity AND influence scores together. The thresholds above guide how users are categorized into Core Maintainer, Influencer, Builder, or Specialist.
Based on activity and influence scores, users are classified into four categories:
| Classification | Criteria | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Core Maintainer | activity > 2.8 AND influence > 3.0 | High activity combined with significant influence. Active developers maintaining popular projects. |
| 🧠 Influencer | influence > 3.5 | High influence regardless of recent activity. Authors of widely-used projects with strong community reach. |
| 🛠 Builder | activity > 2.5 | Highly active contributors building projects consistently. May not yet have wide reach. |
| 🎯 Specialist | default (all others) | Focused contributions in specific domains or emerging developers building their presence. |
Note: Classifications are evaluated in order - Core Maintainer is checked first, then Influencer, then Builder, and finally Specialist as the default.
Planned extensions may include:
