how to know if someone else is not working on issue in github

To determine if someone else is already working on fixing an issue in an open-source project on GitHub, follow these steps:

1. Check the Issue Status:

   • Navigate to the project's GitHub repository and go to the "Issues" tab.
   • Search for the specific issue you want to fix by its title or number.

2. Look for Assignees:

   • Check if the issue has already been assigned to someone (look for the "Assignees" section on the issue page).
   • If an assignee is listed, it indicates that someone is actively working on resolving the issue.

3. Review Comments and Activity:

   • Read through the comments on the issue thread. Contributors often discuss their intentions to work on an issue or share progress updates.
   • Look for recent activity such as commits, pull requests, or discussions related to the issue. This activity can indicate whether someone is actively addressing the problem.

4. Engage with the Community:

   • If you're unsure about the status of an issue, consider engaging with the project's community. Comment on the issue thread to ask if someone is working on it or if assistance is needed.
   • Community members or project maintainers can provide insights into the current status and help coordinate efforts to avoid duplication of work.

5. Check Pull Requests:

   • Look at the open pull requests (PRs) in the repository, especially those related to the issue you want to fix.
   • If there are PRs addressing the issue, it suggests that someone has already started working on a solution.

6. Consider Contributing Anyway:

   • If the issue appears to be unassigned and there's no recent activity indicating ongoing work, you can still express your interest in addressing it.
   • Leave a comment on the issue thread stating that you intend to work on a fix. This helps inform others and prevents duplication of effort.