Similar to Ask Asa I’d like to kick off Ask MOTU, where we’ll regularly answer common questions to the MOTU team.

Q: I packaged a software, that’s not in Ubuntu yet, how do I get it included in Ubuntu?

A: Quoting from wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuDevelopment/NewPackages:

  • When you start to work on a new package, assign the needs-packaging bug to yourself and set it In Progress (if there is no needs-packaging bug, file one).
  • Once you have an initial package and upload it to REVU, add the link to the package in REVU to the description of the bug. From this point on, no further Launchpad entries are made until the package is uploaded.
  • Once the approved package is uploaded, the uploading MOTU will set the bug status to Fix Committed.
  • When the package clears the NEW queue it will automatically be set to Fix Released (debian/changelog must close the needs-packaging bug).

Q: How do I become a MOTU?

A: Quoting from https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuDevelopers:

  • work with an existing developer or core developer as a sponsor, who:
    • reviews the packages prepared by the prospective developer
    • provides constructive feedback
    • uploads the package when they are satisfied with its quality
    • for more information, please read SponsorshipProcess
  • participate in the development community by interacting with MOTU and core developers
  • after gaining experience, apply to become an Ubuntu Developer following this process
    • write a mail to the public MOTU Council mailing list (motu-council@lists.ubuntu.com) and CC your sponsors
      • 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 presented to the TB, who have the final say. The exchange with the TB happens via mail.

In a nutshell this means:

  • get packages uploaded by sponsors (using the SponsorshipProcess) until they tell you “You ROCK! You should be able to do this on your own!”
  • send your application to the MOTU Council.

Get Started!

Q: Do I need to know a lot of programming languages to become a MOTU?

A: Quoting from https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU/FAQ:Much more important than having a lot of progamming experience is

  • being a good team player
  • learning by reading documentation, trying things out and not being afraid to ask questions
  • being highly motivated
  • having a knack for trying to make things work
  • having some detective skills

Hope to see you at the MOTU Q&A session on Friday, November 16th, 12:00 UTC in #ubuntu-classroom on irc.freenode.net, more questions will get answered there. (Thanks Jorge Castro for the pointer to Ask Asa! :-))