How to Become a Debian Developer

Becoming an official Debian Developer (DD) is a structured journey that transforms an open-source contributor into a full voting member of the Debian project with package uploading privileges or non-packaging voting rights. This guide provides a direct walkthrough of the official New Member (NM) process, covering the prerequisite contributions, identity verification through the Web of Trust, advocacy requirements, philosophy checks, technical evaluations, and final approval by the Debian Account Managers.

1. Establish a Proven Contribution Record

Before applying, you must demonstrate a sustained commitment to Debian. Most prospective developers begin by contributing patches, translating documentation, triaging bugs, or maintaining packages under the guidance of a sponsor through the Debian Mentors platform. Establishing this track record typically takes several months to years and proves both your technical competence and your ability to collaborate within the community. Becoming a Debian Maintainer (DM) is often a practical stepping stone, allowing you to upload your own packages without a sponsor prior to applying for full DD status.

2. Secure GnuPG Key Signings (Web of Trust)

Debian relies strictly on OpenPGP for identity verification and package signing. You must generate a secure, standard-compliant OpenPGP key pair (typically RSA 4096-bit or Ed25519) that adheres to current Debian cryptographic policies. To establish your identity within the Debian Web of Trust, you must meet at least one (preferably two or more) official Debian Developers in person to verify your government-issued identity documents and cross-sign your GPG key.

3. Obtain an Advocate

Once you have demonstrated sufficient experience and built your trust network, an existing Debian Developer must officially advocate for your membership. The advocate evaluates your work and confirms in an advocacy statement that you possess the skills, dedication, and temperament necessary to become a full member of the project.

4. Apply via the New Member Front Desk

With an advocate's endorsement, you formally apply through the Debian New Member website. The Debian Front Desk reviews the application to ensure that you meet the baseline requirements: an active advocate statement, an established presence in the community, and a properly signed GnuPG key. Once validated, the Front Desk assigns an Application Manager (AM) to coordinate your onboarding.

5. Complete the Philosophy and Procedures (P&P) Evaluation

Your Application Manager guides you through a detailed discussion regarding Debian's foundational principles. You must demonstrate a thorough understanding of:

  • The Debian Social Contract: Debian's core commitments to the free software community.
  • The Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG): The criteria used to determine whether software is legally and philosophically acceptable for Debian's main archive.
  • Debian Project Procedures: The structure of Debian governance, including the Debian Constitution, standard working protocols, bug-tracking workflows, and voting procedures.

6. Pass the Tasks and Skills (T&S) Evaluation

Depending on whether you are pursuing an Uploading Debian Developer or Non-Uploading Debian Developer path, you must complete the technical evaluation:

  • Uploading DDs: You must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the Debian Policy Manual, packaging standards, toolchains (such as dpkg, debhelper, and git-buildpackage), and upstream tracking. You will discuss resolving complex packaging issues and prove proficiency by submitting and maintaining clean, compliant packages.
  • Non-Uploading DDs: For contributors focusing on documentation, translation, system administration, or legal/publicity efforts, you must demonstrate equivalent mastery of the workflows and responsibilities tied to your specific domain within Debian.

7. Application Manager Recommendation and Front Desk Review

Upon successfully clearing both the P&P and T&S stages, your Application Manager compiles a detailed report summarizing your responses, past contributions, and qualifications. This report is submitted to the Debian Front Desk, which reviews the documentation to verify that all procedural steps were rigorously followed.

8. Final Approval by the Debian Account Managers (DAM)

The final authority for granting project membership rests with the Debian Account Managers (DAM). The DAM reviews the Front Desk's recommendation and makes the final determination. Once approved, the DAM creates your official @debian.org account, registers your GPG key in the Debian keyring, and grants full developer rights, concluding the New Member process.