Membership in Core Developers

Core developers are members of the ubuntu-core-dev team in Launchpad. Core Devs maintain all packages in Ubuntu, which notably includes uploading to the main component. Core Dev members also have elevated privileges for re-triggering autopkgtests and performing other administrative actions in Ubuntu.

Application process

  1. Plan ahead of time to start attending the Developer Membership Board (DMB) meetings as you prepare your application. If there is a queue of applications, you’ll want to reserve a spot early since the meetings are held every 2 weeks and only 2 applications are processed per meeting.

  2. Training and preparation

  3. Prepare an application form in the wiki.

  4. Collect endorsements.

Training and preparation

Most people applying for Core Dev membership will have a history of involvement in Ubuntu, working their way up from Package Set and/or MOTU membership. If you’re skipping over those levels it is nevertheless worth reviewing their training and application processes to make sure you’ll be fulfilling their requirements.

In addition to understanding common tasks documented in this guide, including Debian patching, Stable Release Updates (SRUs), and so on, Core Dev applicants must also have a good understanding of these advanced packaging skills, and ideally direct experience with a few of them:

As with applications for MOTU, trustworthiness is crucial for Core Dev. Being able to work with others, and especially mentoring others is extremely important. Look for opportunities to exercise and demonstrate these attributes, and discuss them in your application.

Further information

While Core Dev is the highest level for packaging development, there are several specialized administrative teams that help keep the archive healthy: