Code Contributing FAQ
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[edit] What is the purpose of the Code Contribution Program for MySQL AB?
From our own perspective, the purpose of the MySQL Code Contribution Program is
- to drive more fixes by the community to simple bugs, i.e. fix more bugs quicker
- to get more contributions in the form of new features, i.e. offer more features for our users
- to breed a larger recruitment base of developers familiar with MySQL both for our customers and ourselves
[edit] What are the benefits to the developer contributing to MySQL?
We believe that people contributing to MySQL are somehow scratching their own itch. Likely reasons why developers contribute to MySQL are
- to avoid having to maintain their patch, which they wrote just in order to fix their own problem with MySQL
- to increase their market value for recruitments, not just by MySQL AB but by any company
- to get feedback and users for their projects, by using MySQL as the wide-spread fundament of their (academic, research) project
We acknowledge that especially Category 1 people (and companies) consider all admin work to be bureaucracy. This is why we keep the paperwork and legalese to a minimum.
But we cannot go below the minimum. Our paying customers are sensitive to our IP (Intellectual property) rights. They are entitled to know for sure that we as their suppliers own what we sell them.
[edit] What are the terms of the SCA?
Contributors are required to sign the Sun Contributor Agreement (SCA) when contributing code to Sun/MySQL. The SCA is a short legal agreement which protects both you as a contributor and Sun/MySQL from legal attack. By signing the SCA, you agree that Sun/MySQL is legally allowed to use your code in Sun/MySQL software and that the code is, to the best of your knowledge, unencumbered by any patent issues.
[edit] How do I agree to the terms of the SCA?
We have set up a web page on the MySQL Forge that aids you through the process. It requires you to fill in some personal information and to agree to the terms by clicking the "Accept" button at the end of the form. This information is then submitted to MySQL via email, a copy of the message will be sent to you as well.