Introduction

Software projects do not have a strictly linear lifecycle, but they typically move through the lifecycle stages in this order:

1. Proposal

2. Incubation

3. Graduated

4. Maintained

5. Archived

When a software project begins its goal will be to move to the Graduated stage.

1. Proposal

<aside> đź“ť A software project is in this stage if it has been submitted to a Working Group as a proposal.

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How to submit a proposal:

Any GSF member can submit a proposal. It should be submitted to a Working Group using the New Project Proposal issue template.

Proposal-writing tips and tricks:

Moving to the next stage:

<aside> âś… Approving body: Working Group

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As above, any software project idea can be proposed to a Working Group for consensus approval. We have low barriers to entry at this stage: a proposal will be refined over the project’s lifecycle into something truly awesome and impactful.

Approval criteria

Approval process

2. Incubation

<aside> đź“ť The project is in its iterative stage: it is being explored by the project team.

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What features does an Incubated project have?

Incubated projects are where collaborative development happens. Therefore: