UbuntuDevelopers
Introduction
Ubuntu developers represent an important part of the creation of Ubuntu. They have a direct influence on the software included in Ubuntu and whether it meets the needs of end users. They are responsible for ensuring that Ubuntu works, and works as well as it can with the resources available. There are four types of Ubuntu developers:
Ubuntu Prospective Developers (Ubunteros)
Please note that the "dashed routes" may require strong evidence of your involvement in Ubuntu Development.
The figure above illustrates the relation between the different developer groups. The increasing intensity of colors in the Ubuntu tricouleur represents the required skills, experience, and responsibility for the Ubuntu software archives.
Ubuntu Prospective Developers (Ubunteros)
This is where you should start if you are interested in joining the development team. Prospective developers:
- Work on bug fixes and new packages
- Gain experience with Debian-format packaging
- Request sponsor review of suggested changes, where sponsors:
- review the packages prepared by the prospective developer
- provide constructive feedback
- upload the package when they are satisfied with its quality
for more information, please read SponsorshipProcess
Ubuntu Contributing Developers
Are members of the universe-contributors team in Launchpad
are collectively responsible for the maintenance of most of the packages in Ubuntu (the universe and multiverse components)
- merge new versions from Debian
- continue with sponsored uploads of bugfixes and new packages
- participate in technical discussions with other Ubuntu developers, providing ideas and feedback
Joining the universe-contributors team
Check out the general requirements for Ubuntu Membership.
- after participating in the development community, apply to become a Contributing Developer following this process
- talk to your sponsors and let them know about your plan to apply, ask them to follow up on the mailing list thread.
write a mail to the public MOTU Council mailing list motu-council@lists.ubuntu.com
Subject: Universe Contributors Application for FIRSTNAME LASTNAME (IRC_NICK)
this adds clarity to the mailing list threads
- CC your sponsors and kindly ask them to provide background and feedback on their work with you
- mention packages you maintain or specific uploads that you think were done quite well
- The council will check the references and reply back within 12 days (Launchpad's /+packages page, talk to select team members, etc.)
The outcome of this will be decided by the MOTU Council, and reported to the Community Council, who have the final say.
Ubuntu Developers (MOTU)
are members of the motu team in Launchpad
- understand packaging concepts, having substantial experience uploading packages through a sponsor
apply this knowledge by uploading new packages, and updating existing packages, in the universe component
may also contribute to the main component in cooperation with a core developer
- answer questions of other developers in order to expand their understanding of packaging work
- provide guidance for prospective Ubuntu developers regarding technical issues
- are encouraged to
consider joining ubuntu-universe-sponsors
consider joining the MOTU Mentors
Joining the MOTU team
- after gaining experience, apply to become an Ubuntu Developer following this process
- talk to your sponsors and let them know about your plan to apply, ask them to follow up on the mailing list thread.
write a mail to the public MOTU Council mailing list motu-council@lists.ubuntu.com
Subject: MOTU Application for FIRSTNAME LASTNAME (IRC_NICK)
this adds clarity to the mailing list threads
- CC your sponsors and kindly ask them to provide background and feedback on their work with you
- mention packages you maintain or specific uploads that you think were done quite well
- The council will check the references and reply back within 12 days (Launchpad's /+packages page, talk to select team members, etc.)
- The outcome of this will be decided by the MOTU Council, and reported to the Technical Board, who have the final say.
Ubuntu Core Developers
are members of the ubuntu-core-dev team in Launchpad
are collectively responsible for the maintenance of packages in the main and restricted components
- have a strong working knowledge of packaging concepts and techniques, refined through experience
- have a strong working knowledge of Ubuntu project procedures, especially those related to the release process and support commitments, and an understanding of the reasons why they exist
- are able to apply this knowledge to a variety of packages and subsystems
- have a history of substantial direct contributions to the distribution
- take a leading role in new development projects to improve Ubuntu
- specify, develop and deploy new features for the default installation of Ubuntu
- exercise great care in their work, with the understanding that their efforts have a direct impact on others, including:
- every Ubuntu user
- the Ubuntu release team
- corporate partners who provide support for Ubuntu
- feel a sense of personal responsibility for the quality of Ubuntu releases and for the satisfaction of Ubuntu users
Joining the ubuntu-core-dev team
Prospective core developers must be approved by the Technical Board.
Candidates should mail the MOTU Council and in the mail conversation
Have their sponsor(s) attest to the quality of their work and their progress during the process, according to the UbuntuDevelopers criteria
- Provide a hyperlink to a wiki page with some aggregated information about their qualifications
- Discuss their specific technical interests and plans for contributing to Ubuntu
- Present examples of past contributions
- Answer direct technical questions about packaging
- Answer questions about the Ubuntu project and its processes
The MOTU Council will then present the aggregated information to the TechnicalBoard. The TB will review and respond, usually setting up an appointment to attend a meeting.