diff --git a/DEVELOPMENT.md b/DEVELOPMENT.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6805454
--- /dev/null
+++ b/DEVELOPMENT.md
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+# Greetings!
+
+It's great to see you being interested in contributing to the project!
+
+#### Here are some steps to get you started:
+
+## Contributing to the project
+
+* Fork the repository
+* Clone the repository
+* Create a new branch
+* Make your changes
+* Commit your changes with a descriptive commit message and push your commit to your fork.
+* Create a pull request. Please provide a detailed description of your changes and why you think they should be merged.
+* Wait for your pull request to be reviewed and merged!
+
+## We would appreciate
+
+* If you are patient and respectful in your interactions with other contributors.
+* If you are open to feedback and constructive criticism.
+
+## How to run the project locally
+
+Run a postgresql database on your local machine, with the following credentials:
+
+```
+POSTGRES_USER=postgres
+POSTGRES_PASSWORD=postgres
+POSTGRES_DB=pathfinder
+```
+
+After you have cloned the repository, navigate to the project directory and run the following command:
+
+```
+./start-dev.sh
+```
+
+This script copies the necessary environment variables from '.env.prototype'
+into a new '.env' file and starts the development server.
+
+#### Voila! The development server should be running at [localhost:8080](http://localhost:8080).
+
+## API documentation
+
+If you're running the server locally, you should be able to access the API documentation
+at [here](http://localhost:8080/swagger-ui/index.html).
+
+## I'm new! What issues do I begin with?
+
+Head over to the [issues](https://github.com/mehedikhan72/pathfinder-api/issues) tab and look for issues with the label `good first issue`.
+These issues are beginner-friendly and are a great way to get started with contributing to the project.
+
+#### Checkstyle is a great tool to ensure that your code is clean and follows the project's style guide. Unfortunately, it was introduced after the project was started, so there are a lot of violations in the codebase. If you're looking for a simple way to contribute, fixing these violations is a great way to start!
+
+Run the following command to check for violations in your code:
+
+```
+mvn checkstyle:check
+```
+
+Head over to checktyle's [documentation](https://checkstyle.sourceforge.io/) to learn more about the tool and how to fix
+violations.
+
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b5127ef..77f0063 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
-## Welcome to the readme section of pathFinder API.
+# pathFinder
+#### Your gateway to knowledge! Designed to connect curious minds with seasoned pros, pathFinder transforms career aspirations into achievable goals. Explore, connect, and thrive with mentors who illuminate your path to success.
 
-API documentation can be found [here](http://localhost:8080/swagger-ui/index.html).
+## Contributions
+#### If you're looking to contribute to the project, please visit [here](https://github.com/mehedikhan72/pathfinder-api/blob/master/DEVELOPMENT.md) for more information.