Getting Started With MOTU

One of the best means of contributing to Ubuntu is by helping to package the thousands of different free software applications available. To get involved in this effort, we have the MOTU project (which stands for Masters Of The Universe). This team helps to train new packagers and get everyone up to speed maintaining software in Ubuntu.

This guide helps you get started in MOTU quickly and easy. If you get stuck at any point, see MOTU/Contact for how to get help.

1. Before you get started, you should read how the Ubuntu system works, this will help you get an idea how the different pieces fit together. (UbuntuDevelopment/UsingDevelopmentReleases explains how to safely make use of the latest development release for your own development environment)). Definitely do check out UbuntuDevelopment/KnowledgeBase for a good list of in-depth guides, tutorials and guidelines.

2. You should now read the PackagingGuide, MOTU/Contributing, and play with the tools described in PackagingGuide/Recipes. (Also check out the MOTU Videos.)

3. While running through the PackagingGuide, you can also ask for help on #ubuntu-motu on irc.freenode.net and come to the Packaging/Training sessions in #ubuntu-classroom.

4. When you have got the hang of a few packages, why not try to fix an existing bug or review the harvest list of opportunities. (Once you know the tools a bit better you could package something new?)

5. sign up for ubuntu-motu-mentors@lists.ubuntu.com

6. When you have produced your new package or produced a package that fixes a bug, read about the Sponsorship Process.

Optional:

1. If you don't have a blog yet, create one and blog about your progress as a MOTU.

2. Add your weblog to http://ubuntuweblogs.org by following these instructions.

3. We have generated a "cheat sheet" called a Playbook that you can print out and use to remind you how the process works. playbook.pdf

Go back to MOTU.
CategoryMOTU