Editing Debian (section)

== Organization ==
{{Image frame
|content=
{{chart/start}}
{{chart| | | | | |GR |GR=General Resolution}}
{{chart|el |ov |Q|Q|el=elect↓|ov=override↓|boxstyle_el=border: 0; text-align: left;|boxstyle_ov=border: 0; text-align: right;}}
{{chart|S|DPL |P|P|G|Q|DPL=Leader}}
{{chart|Q| |Q|app |Q|Q|app=↓appoint|boxstyle_app=border: 0; text-align: left;}}
{{chart|Q|DEL |P|P|Z|Q|DEL=Delegate}}
{{chart|Q| |Q|dec | |Q|dec=↓decide|boxstyle_dec=border: 0; text-align: left;}}
{{chart|Y|DD |pr |Q|DD=Developer|pr=propose↑|boxstyle_pr=border: 0; text-align: right;}}
{{chart| | |Y|P|P|P|P|Z}}
{{chart/end}}
|caption=Simplified organizational structure
}}
Debian's policies and team efforts focus on [[Collaborative software development model|collaborative software development and testing processes]].<ref name="debfaq-def">{{Cite web |title=How does one pronounce Debian and what does this word mean? |url=https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-faq/ch-basic_defs.en.html#s-pronunciation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402174759/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-faq/ch-basic_defs.en.html#s-pronunciation |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=2019-03-18 |website=The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ -- Chapter 1 – Definitions and overview |publisher=Debian}}</ref> As a result, a new major release tends to occur every two years with revision releases that fix security issues and important problems.{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |loc=Section 1.6}}<ref name="two-year-cycle">{{Cite web |date=2009-07-29 |title=Debian decides to adopt time-based release freezes |url=http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090729 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314224808/http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090729 |archive-date=March 14, 2011 |access-date=2009-09-12 |publisher=Debian}}</ref> The Debian project is a volunteer organization with three foundational documents:
* The ''[[Debian Social Contract]]'' defines a set of basic principles by which the project and its developers conduct affairs.<ref name="socialcontract" />
* The ''[[Debian Free Software Guidelines]]'' define the criteria for "free software" and thus what software is permissible in the distribution. These guidelines have been adopted as the basis of the [[The Open Source Definition|Open Source Definition]]. Although this document can be considered separate, it formally is part of the Social Contract.<ref name="socialcontract" />
* The ''Debian Constitution'' describes the organizational structure for formal decision-making within the project, and enumerates the powers and responsibilities of the Project Leader, the Secretary and other roles.<ref name="constitution">{{Cite web |title=Constitution for the Debian Project (v1.4) |url=http://www.debian.org/devel/constitution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603231508/http://www.debian.org/devel/constitution |archive-date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=2014-02-25 |publisher=Debian}}</ref>

{{Historical populations
|title=Debian developer population
|pop_name={{abbr|DD|Debian developers}}
|source=[//www.debian.org/vote/ Debian Voting Information]
|[//www.debian.org/vote/1999/vote_0001#quorum 1999] |347
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2000/vote_0007#quorum 2000] |347
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2001/vote_0001#quorum 2001] |?
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2002/vote_0001#quorum 2002] |939
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2003/vote_0001#quorum 2003] |831
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2004/vote_001.quorum.log 2004] |911
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2005/vote_001.quorum.log 2005] |965
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2006/vote_001_quorum.log 2006] |972
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2007/vote_001_quorum.log 2007] |1036
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2008/vote_001_quorum.log 2008] |1075
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2009/vote_001_quorum.log 2009] |1013
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2010/vote_001_quorum.log 2010] |886
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2011/vote_001_quorum.log 2011] |911
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2012/vote_001_quorum.log 2012] |948
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2013/vote_001_quorum.log 2013] |988
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2014/vote_001_quorum.log 2014] |1003
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2015/vote_001_quorum.log 2015] |1033
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2016/vote_001_quorum.log 2016] |1023
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2017/vote_001_quorum.log 2017] |1062
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2018/vote_001_quorum.log 2018] |1001
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2019/vote_001_quorum.log 2019] |1003
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2020/vote_001_quorum.log 2020] |1011
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2021/vote_001_quorum.log 2021] |1018
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2022/vote_001_quorum.log 2022] |1023
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2023/vote_001_quorum.log 2023] |996
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2024/vote_001_quorum.log 2024] |1010
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2024/vote_001_quorum.log 2025] |1030}}

Debian developers are organized in a [[web of trust]].{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |p=143}} There are {{as of|2014|alt=at present}} about one thousand active Debian developers,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Debian New Member – Status DD, upl. |url=https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171828/https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_u |archive-date=July 6, 2014 |access-date=2014-06-21 |publisher=Debian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Debian New Member – Status DD, non-upl. |url=https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_nu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171252/https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_nu |archive-date=July 6, 2014 |access-date=2014-06-21 |publisher=Debian}}</ref> but it is possible to contribute to the project without being an official developer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-30 |title=How can you help Debian? |url=http://www.debian.org/intro/help |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516222212/http://www.debian.org/intro/help |archive-date=May 16, 2014 |access-date=2014-06-03 |publisher=Debian}}</ref>

The project maintains official [[mailing list]]s and conferences for communication and coordination between developers.<ref name="distributions" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Index of /pub/debian-meetings |url=http://meetings-archive.debian.net/pub/debian-meetings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614191607/http://meetings-archive.debian.net/pub/debian-meetings/ |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |access-date=2014-07-16 |publisher=Debian}}</ref> For issues with single packages and other tasks,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-12-08 |title=Debian bug tracking system pseudo-packages |url=http://www.debian.org/Bugs/pseudo-packages |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606213442/https://www.debian.org/Bugs/pseudo-packages |archive-date=June 6, 2014 |access-date=2014-06-03 |publisher=Debian}}</ref> a public [[Software bug|bug]] tracking system is used by developers and end users. [[Internet Relay Chat]] is also used for communication among developers<ref name="distributions" /> and to provide real time help.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-30 |title=Support |url=http://www.debian.org/support#irc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528173033/http://www.debian.org/support#irc |archive-date=May 28, 2014 |access-date=2014-06-03 |publisher=Debian}}</ref>

Debian is supported by donations made to organizations authorized by the leader.<ref name="constitution" /> The largest supporter is [[Software in the Public Interest]], the owner of the Debian trademark, manager of the monetary donations<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-10 |title=Donations to Software in the Public Interest |url=http://www.debian.org/donations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510175115/http://www.debian.org/donations |archive-date=May 10, 2014 |access-date=2014-06-03 |publisher=Debian}}</ref> and [[umbrella organization]] for various other community free software projects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-14 |title=SPI Associated Projects |url=http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207041404/http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/ |archive-date=February 7, 2013 |access-date=2014-07-16 |publisher=[[Software in the Public Interest]]}}</ref>

A Project Leader is elected once per year by the developers. The leader has special powers, but they are not absolute, and appoints delegates to perform specialized tasks. Delegates make decisions as they think is best, taking into account technical criteria and consensus. By way of a General Resolution, the developers may recall the leader, reverse a decision made by the leader or a delegate, amend foundational documents and make other binding decisions.<ref name="constitution" /> The voting method is based on the [[Schulze method]] (Cloneproof Schwartz Sequential Dropping).<ref name="vote-info">{{Cite web |date=2014-02-18 |title=Debian Voting Information |url=http://www.debian.org/vote/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604032858/http://www.debian.org/vote/ |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=2014-06-03 |publisher=Debian}}</ref>

{{Debian project leaders graphical timeline}}

Project leadership is distributed occasionally. Branden Robinson was helped by the Project [[Scud (dog)|Scud]], a team of developers that assisted the leader,<ref>{{Cite mailing list |last=van Wolffelaar |first=Jeroen |title=Announcing project scud |mailing-list=debian-project |date=2005-03-05 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/2005/03/msg00035.html |access-date=2014-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725094849/https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/2005/03/msg00035.html |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=live |publisher=Debian}}</ref> but there were concerns that such leadership would split Debian into two developer classes.{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |p=34}} Anthony Towns created a supplemental position, Second In Charge (2IC), that shared some powers of the leader.<ref>{{Cite mailing list |last=Towns |first=Anthony |title=Bits from the DPL |mailing-list=debian-devel-announce |date=2006-04-23 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2006/04/msg00015.html |access-date=2014-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609133229/http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2006/04/msg00015.html |archive-date=June 9, 2013 |url-status=live |publisher=Debian}}</ref> Steve McIntyre was 2IC and had a 2IC himself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steve McIntyre's DPL platform, 2009 |url=http://www.debian.org/vote/2009/platforms/93sam |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725085331/https://www.debian.org/vote/2009/platforms/93sam |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |access-date=2014-07-17 |publisher=Debian}}</ref>

One important role in Debian's leadership is that of a [[software release life cycle|release]] manager.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Mahony |first=Siobhán |last2=Ferraro |first2=Fabrizio |year=2007 |title=The Emergence of Governance in an Open Source Community |url=http://www.business.ualberta.ca/tcc/documents/TII_3_OMahoney_Ferraro_final.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529081303/http://www.business.ualberta.ca/tcc/documents/TII_3_OMahoney_Ferraro_final.pdf |archive-date=2008-05-29 |access-date=2008-11-01 |publisher=[[University of Alberta School of Business]] |page=30}}</ref> The release team sets goals for the next release, supervises the processes and decides when to release. The team is led by the next release managers and stable release managers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Debian organization web page |url=http://www.debian.org/intro/organization |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129045608/http://www.debian.org/intro/organization |archive-date=November 29, 2011 |access-date=2008-11-01 |publisher=Debian}}</ref> Release assistants were introduced in 2003.<ref>{{Cite mailing list |last=Towns |first=Anthony |title=Bits from the RM: Help Wanted, Apply Within |mailing-list=debian-devel-announce |date=2003-03-08 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2003/03/msg00007.html |access-date=2014-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725092941/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2003/03/msg00007.html |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=live |publisher=Debian}}</ref>

=== Developers ===
The Debian Project has an influx of applicants wishing to become developers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Debian New Member – Statistics |url=https://nm.debian.org/public/stats/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706180807/https://nm.debian.org/public/stats/ |archive-date=July 6, 2014 |access-date=2014-06-03 |publisher=Debian |df=mdy}}</ref> These applicants must undergo a vetting process which establishes their identity, motivation, understanding of the project's principles, and technical competence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Debian New Maintainers |url=http://www.debian.org/devel/join/newmaint |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120014929/http://www.debian.org/devel/join/newmaint |archive-date=November 20, 2008 |access-date=2008-10-31 |publisher=Debian}}</ref> This process has become much harder throughout the years.{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |p=13}}

Debian developers join the project for many reasons. Some that have been cited include:
* Debian is their main operating system and they want to promote Debian<ref>{{Cite mailing list |last=Berg |first=Christoph |title=AM report for Alexander GQ Gerasiov |mailing-list=debian-newmaint |date=2009-01-10 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2009/01/msg00022.html |access-date=2014-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725093119/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2009/01/msg00022.html |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=live |publisher=Debian}}</ref>
* To improve the support for their favorite technology<ref>{{Cite mailing list |last=Joeris |first=Steffen |title=AM report for Jakub Wilk &#91;...&#93; |mailing-list=debian-newmaint |date=2010-01-03 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2010/01/msg00000.html |access-date=2014-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725095952/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2010/01/msg00000.html |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=live |publisher=Debian}}</ref>
* They are involved with a Debian derivative<ref>{{Cite mailing list |last=Wolf |first=Gunnar |title=AM report for Kamal Mostafa |mailing-list=debian-newmaint |date=2011-01-13 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2011/01/msg00005.html |access-date=2014-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725090122/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2011/01/msg00005.html |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=live |publisher=Debian}}</ref>
* A desire to contribute back to the [[free-software community]]<ref>{{Cite mailing list |last=Faraone |first=Luke |title=AM report for vicho |mailing-list=debian-newmaint |date=2012-01-01 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2012/01/msg00001.html |access-date=2014-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725094247/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2012/01/msg00001.html |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=live |publisher=Debian}}</ref>
* To make their Debian maintenance work easier<ref>{{Cite mailing list |last=Wiltshire |first=Jonathan |title=AM report for Manuel A. Fernandez Montecelo |mailing-list=debian-newmaint |date=2013-01-06 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2013/01/msg00004.html |access-date=2014-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725085515/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2013/01/msg00004.html |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=live |publisher=Debian}}</ref>

Debian developers may resign their positions at any time or, when deemed necessary, they can be expelled.<ref name="constitution" /> Those who follow the retiring protocol are granted the "emeritus" status and they may regain their membership through a shortened new member process.<ref name="developer-duties">{{Cite web |title=Chapter 3. Debian Developer's Duties |url=http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/developer-duties.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716214122/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/developer-duties.html |archive-date=July 16, 2014 |access-date=2014-07-19 |website=Debian Developer's Reference |publisher=Debian}}</ref>

Debian has made efforts to diversify and have members represented from the community. Debian Women in 2004 was established with the aim of having more women involved in development. Debian also partnered with Outreachy, which offers internships to individuals with underrepresented identities in technology.<ref name="debianwomen">Debian Project. (2004). "About the Debian Women Project." Retrieved from https://www.debian.org/women/</ref><ref name="outreachy">Outreachy. (2023). "Debian's involvement in Outreachy." Retrieved from https://www.outreachy.org/</ref>