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http://www.debian.org/doc/devel-manuals#devref - Debian Developer's Reference
This document is a reference manual for everyone working on Debian development, whether new or old to the project.
This manual describes procedures and resources for Debian maintainers. It describes how to handle our bug tracking system, the mailing lists, how to become a project member, our upload procedures, translations, etc.
Contents
Introduction
Debian Developer (DD) is our name for a Debian project member. Many Debian Developers work on packaging software for Debian, but others contribute to the project's work in many different ways, such as by working as translators. All types of contribution are very welcome.
Each applicant can choose whether they want to go through the packaging-related parts of the Debian New Member process and gain rights to upload packages to the Debian archive.
Becoming a Debian Developer
People who want to become a Debian Developer can apply through the Debian New Member process. More details of this process are given below.
Each individual application process is conducted by an existing Debian Developer who acts as Application Manager. (At present, Debian Developers can apply to become Application Managers after six months as project members.)
Glossary
Terms used in this section:
an Applicant is someone requesting to become a Debian Developer (project member)
an Application Manager (AM) collects information about an Applicant's knowledge of Debian, and contributions already made.
The Process of Becoming a Debian Developer
Steps required to become a project member, or Debian Developer
Step 1: Application
First read the Applicant's Checklist and the application page.
Before applying to the Debian New Member process :
For prerequisites, see the Applicant's Checklist and the Identification page.
You should have read the developer documentation.
You need to have an advocate.
- Be sure to have enough free time.
Advocating a Debian Project Member
Every application to become a Debian Developer must be advocated by an existing Debian Developer who is familiar with the applicant's work, and who believes that he/she is of a suitable standard both technically and socially.
- This is an example template for a good advocation message:
Why do you advocate this person? (please provide a 5-10 line summary). You are encouraged to take questions such as the following into account but you're not limited to answering these: - How have they contributed to Debian already? - What do they intend to do for Debian in the future? - How do they interact with others, such as users and other members?
Step 2: Work with the Application Manager
Once your application has been accepted you must wait to be assigned an Application Manager. The Application Manager will:
check your knowledge of Debian, see Philosophy and Procedures.
check the work you have already done in Debian, and ask questions relevant to work you say you plan to do in the future, see Tasks and Skills.
write an report that describes why the Application Manager thinks you are ready to become a Debian member, see recommendation.
If you want to gain unrestricted rights to upload packages to the Debian archive, then you will also have to answer questions about packaging in the Philosophy and Procedures and the Tasks and Skills parts, or to have existing packaging contributions that demonstrate your mastery of the relevant topics. Normally the Application Manager will need to ask questions about at least a few topics to see if you have read the required documentation.
Step 3: Account creation
Once the Application Manager agrees that you are ready to become a Debian Developer and submits a report, you should carry on with your current Debian work while you wait for:
the creation of the account.
Resources
Benefits
As a DD (i.e. a Debian Member) you're eligible to several benefits, including special discounts for some services.
Mailing lists
debian-devel-announce: this is the only mailing list that it is compulsory for Debian Developers to read
debian-mentors: help for new package maintainers
debian-devel: discussion of technical development topics
debian-project: discussion of non-technical aspects of the Debian project
debian-policy: discussion of Debian policy
Documentation
Debian Developer's Reference, a manual for everyone working on Debian development, whether new or old to the project.
Developer questions can be found (and hopefully answered) at DeveloperFAQ.
How to get debian.net addresses for Debian projects, if you are a Debian Developer
A collection of DFSG-compliant licenses has been started on DFSGLicenses.
A collection of useful links for packaging libraries for Debian can be found at LibPackaging.
Information about Debian Developers
https://www.debian.org/devel/people - current package contributors listing
account database - database of Debian members and guest accounts
List of people in the New Member process with status information
Debian Developer's Portfolio - resources collecting per-developer information