improve contributor workflow guidance and repo formatting rules (#129)

* improve contributor workflow guidance and repo formatting rules

* exempt maintainer from auto reminders

Author: jagdish-15

.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md

@@ -31,7 +31,8 @@ Fixes # (issue number)
 ## Checklist
 
 - [ ] My code follows the project's coding style
-- [ ] I have formatted my code locally using Prettier
+- [ ] I have formatted my code locally by running `npx prettier --write .` before submitting
+- [ ] I am submitting my PR from a dedicated `feature/*` branch, not the `main` branch
 - [ ] I have performed a self-review of my code
 - [ ] My changes generate no new warnings or errors
 - [ ] I have updated documentation if required

.github/workflows/contributor-reminder.yml

@@ -15,25 +15,25 @@ jobs:
 
     steps:
       - name: Comment on Issue
-        if: github.event_name == 'issues'
+        if: github.event_name == 'issues' && github.actor != 'jagdish-15'
         uses: actions/github-script@v7
         with:
           script: |
             github.rest.issues.createComment({
               issue_number: context.issue.number,
               owner: context.repo.owner,
               repo: context.repo.repo,
-              body: "Thank you for opening an issue.\n\nPlease review our `CONTRIBUTING.md` guidelines before getting started.\n\nA maintainer will review this issue shortly. If you would like to work on the issue yourself, please leave a comment requesting assignment."
+              body: "Thank you for opening an issue.\n\nPlease review our `CONTRIBUTING.md` guidelines before getting started.\n\nA maintainer will review this issue shortly. If you would like to work on the issue yourself, please leave a comment requesting assignment.\n\n### Issue Assignment Policy\n- The issue creator is given the first priority to work on their issue.\n- If the creator declines or does not request assignment, the issue will be assigned to others in the order of requests received.\n- Please do not submit PRs or begin work until you are officially assigned.\n\n> **Note:** This project is currently maintained by a solo maintainer, so reviews, assignments, and responses may sometimes take a little time. Thanks for your patience."
             })
 
       - name: Comment on Pull Request
-        if: github.event_name == 'pull_request_target'
+        if: github.event_name == 'pull_request_target' && github.actor != 'jagdish-15'
         uses: actions/github-script@v7
         with:
           script: |
             github.rest.issues.createComment({
               issue_number: context.issue.number,
               owner: context.repo.owner,
               repo: context.repo.repo,
-              body: "Thank you for submitting a pull request.\n\nPlease ensure your changes comply with the project's contribution guidelines and that all workflow checks pass successfully.\n\nA maintainer will review your submission shortly."
+              body: "Thank you for submitting a pull request.\n\nPlease ensure your changes comply with the project's contribution guidelines and that all workflow checks pass successfully.\n\n### Formatting and Branching\n- Please confirm you have formatted your code using `npx prettier --write .`\n- Ensure this PR is made from a `feature/*` branch and not `main`.\n\n> **Note:** This project is currently maintained by a solo maintainer, so reviews and responses may sometimes take a little time. Thanks for your patience."
             })

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -41,8 +41,15 @@ npm start
 ## Before You Start
 
 - Check whether an issue already exists for the change you want to make.
-- If you would like to work on an existing issue, please request assignment before starting work.
-- Please do not submit PRs for issues assigned to another contributor unless approved by a maintainer.
+- If you would like to work on an existing issue, please request assignment.
+- **Please do not start working on an issue or submit PRs until you are officially assigned.**
+
+### Issue Assignment Policy
+
+- The issue creator is given the first priority to work on their issue.
+- If the creator declines or does not request assignment, the issue will be assigned to others in the order of requests received (first-come, first-served).
+
+> **Note:** This project is currently maintained by a solo maintainer, so reviews, assignments, and responses may sometimes take a little time. Thanks for your patience.
 
 ## Pull Requests
 
@@ -65,7 +72,7 @@ We use Prettier to enforce consistent code style across the project. Our automat
 Before submitting your Pull Request, please run the following command in the root of the repository to automatically format all your changes:
 
 ```bash
-npx prettier --write "frontend/**/*.{html,css,js}" "scripts/**/*.js" "server.js"
+npx prettier --write .
 ```
 
 ### Frontend Changes