Newcomers to Apache

If you are new to open source, our newcomers section explains basic concepts, first steps to get started, and where to ask for help.

To get our software, see our categorized listing of all Apache projects, which are always free to download and use.

The ASF is a large organization made up of many separate projects: each project community may have different ways of working, while still following the basic Apache Way process.

Event Organizers and Speakers

We have a list of speaker resources for conference organizers and speakers, including some useful Apache slides.

Producers should read our Event Branding Policy for ticketed events, and we have some tips for organizing small community events about Apache projects.

The master event calendar contains an aggregation of many different Apache-related events, including ApacheCon and BarCamps.

The Foundation

The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) is a US 501(c)3 non-profit public charity. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, elected by our Membership, and we publish our monthly board meeting minutes.

Our mission is to create software for the public good that we give away for free. You can read how ASF and Apache projects are governed. We welcome your support to Apache in other ways.

Open Source Contributors

If you know a little about open source and want to understand how the ASF works, our contributors' section is for you.

We also have a collection of links to relevant information.

Apache Committers should read our committers' section and see the Developer Information site.

How Apache works

Our Apache Project Maturity Model defines a structure for evaluating our projects (communities & technology) that can serve as an example for other communities.

Our how Apache works guide describes key ASF concepts such as the difference between ASF Members and project committers, how decisions are made (voting), how elections take place, the ASF's structure and organization and more.

FAQ & Code of Conduct

Please be nice! The ASF has a Code of Conduct that we expect participants in our mailing lists and projects to abide by.

If you still haven't found what you are looking for, try our FAQ, send us an e-mail at [email protected], or read the Community mail archives.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Apache Diversity website has more information on that project, dedicated to understanding and promoting the diversity and inclusion Apache Software Foundation communities.

Google Summer of Code program (GSoC)

The Community Development project also manages the ASF's participation in the Google Summer of Code program. Each year since 2005, we've taken on between 30 and 45 students. Many of these have gone on to become long-term committers to projects and even Members of the Foundation.

Read about a few of our GSoC successes.

Apache Local Community (ALC)

The Apache Local Community comprises local groups of Apache (Open Source) enthusiasts, called an 'ALC Chapter'. There will be a single ALC chapter per town/city.

The ALC Chapters spread awareness on Apache in local communities, host local events to share information about ASF, The Apache Way, and various Apache projects and bring together project users and developers.