Page History

Note this is a blog version of Release Vote Insights.

Ten years ago, a new an open-source project joining Apache might have taken weeks to make its first release. Today, most do it in weeks less time and with far fewer errors. Behind that change lies a quiet transformation in how communities learn, collaborate, and share responsibility.

...

The ASF Incubator is the entry path for new projects at the to The Apache Software Foundation (ASF). It helps communities learn how to manage code, releases, and decision-making in an open and transparent way. Every release in the Incubator is more than just code; it marks a community milestone that shows how contributors work together following the The Apache Way.

Over the past decade, the Incubator has guided thousands of releases from more than 160 projects. Analysis of 1,600 release votes from 33,000 emails and 1,000 participants shows clear progress: fewer rejections, faster reviews, and more confident communities.

...

In the early years, Incubator release reviews were daunting. Discussions focused on what was wrong, such as missing files, license issues, or packaging errors. Mentors and reviewers acted as gatekeepers, and the process often felt bureaucratic. By In 2025, things are different. Reviews are now shorter, friendlier, and move more quickly. Instead of saying, "This violates ASF policy," reviewers now say, "Let's fix this before the next release candidate." This move from strict enforcement to working together shows how the ASF’s mentoring culture has grown. Now, the process feels more like a shared learning experience than just a compliance check.

...

2014–2017: Policy-Driven Beginnings
The Incubator had grown grew quickly. Reviews focused on strict compliance and long, detailed discussions. This phase established much-needed governance consistency.

2018–2020: Standardisation Standardization and Clarity
Better documentation, templates, and policies, such as the Distribution Policy and WIP Disclaimer, simplified expectations. Reusable checklists helped projects make compliant releases without confusion.

...

The past decade of Apache Incubator releases shows how open collaboration evolves. Rules and policies are still important, but mentorship, openness, and good communication help put them into practice. Every successful release is more than just a technical win. It shows that a community has learned to work together, review each other's work, and share responsibility. This spirit defines the The Apache Way and helps Incubator projects grow into full ASF communities.

...