Mod_Python is a subproject of the Apache httpd server project. As such we strive to conform to the practices recommended by the Apache Software Foundation.

A developer is a user who contributes to a project in the form of code or documentation. They take extra steps to participate in a project, are active on the developer mailing list, participate in discussions, provide patches, documentation, suggestions, and criticism. Developers are also known as contributors.

Contributions from developers are integrated into mod_python by committers at the committer's discretion.

(Should we mention that everyone on python-dev gets a vote on releases? -jg)

(Should we mention that becoming a committer is by invitation only? -jg)

See ASF roles for more information.

Development issues such as patches, bug fixes, ideas, etc are discussed on the python-dev@httpd.apache.org mailing list. Information on subscribing to this list and the mail archives is found on the mailing list page. The python-dev@httpd.apache.org is a advanced topic list for people who are versed in C and Apache httpd internals.

The mod_python project uses JIRA. The best way to ensure your improvements, suggestions or bug reports are not lost in the noise of the mailing list is to create a new issue in JIRA. Likewise, if you have a patch you want to submit it is best to attach it to the appropriate JIRA issue rather than sending it to directly to the mailing list. The python-dev mailing list automatically receives a message when a JIRA issue is created or modified so you can be assured your issue will get noticed.

See http://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/MODPYTHON.

The mod_python project uses Subversion for version control. You can browse the repository online. For more help on using Subversion, consult the Subversion website or the Subversion book. The web site provides a list of clients and useful links.

To access the Subversion repositories anonymously, you will need a Subversion client.

Choose the branch you would like to work on and check it out. For example, to get the current development branch (trunk), use:

svn co http://svn.apache.org/repos/asf/httpd/mod_python/trunk mod_python

Subversion commit notifications are available on the python-cvs mailing list. Subscribe to the python-cvs@httpd.apache.org mailing list by mailing python-cvs-subscribe@httpd.apache.org.

You should develop your code using the working copy of mod_python you checked out with Subversion.

Python

Indent your code with 4 spaces.

(Let's expand this section with some good general recommendations. -jg)

C Language

For C-language coding style, follow the Apache Developers' C Language Style Guide.

Comments

As per the Apache style guide, use only C-style comments in your C-code. Do not use C++ style comments.

Use the Doxygen format for comments.

(I'll add a quick and dirty guide to doxygen. -jg)

We like unit tests. Get in the habit of running the tests when you modify some code. Likewise it's very helpful if you can write unit tests for your new code.

(Maybe stick a simple example explaining how to write a unit test here? -jg)

Ideally you'll provide documentation for your code as a patch to the current docs. However, if you don't feel comfortable writing LaTex code feel free to write in plain text. Heck, we'll accept good documentation in just about any format.

The preferred form for submitted code is as a patch created as a diff against the current development branch. The diffs should be in the unified diff format. Luckily, Subversion makes this easy. To create a patch for changes made to src/util.c use svn diff:

svn diff src/util.c > jg-20051114.diff

Choose a reasonable name for your patch. Files attached to a JIRA issue are sorted alphabetically and listed at the top of the JIRA page for that issue. It'll make it easier to understand what has been uploaded if you adopt a consistent naming scheme.

(Perhaps we can agree on a naming scheme that contributors would be urged to adopt. Take a look at `MODPYTHON-77`_ to see why this is desirable.)

As with all Apache Software Foundation projects, mod_python is licensed under the current Apache Software License (ASL), Version 2.0.