Re: [Emc-developers] what is the development process for linux cnc?

[Jon E. <el...@pi...>]

Mark Haynes wrote:
> Can someone please explain to me the development process for LinuxCNC?  Is there a project lead, or is LinuxCNC developed by the entire community?  If I create a new feature that I would like to see in the LinuxCNC software, how would I go about it getting published?
It depends a bit on how deeply this integrates into the code.  if it is 
a simple add-on
that hooks up to an already defined interface, like a driver for a new 
type of
motor, then it doesn't require altering the rest of the LinuxCNC code base,
it is just an additional module.  That should be quite painless.  If it 
does require
modifying an existing piece of code, then you can test it on your own, 
making
your own private branch in your local code repository, until you feel it 
is ready
to show to others.  Then, you can discuss the implications of the 
changes with
other developers to see if anyone sees a problem.  Of course, you can also
discuss before writing code to see if anybody has comments.
>   Are parts of LinuxCNC being actively developed or has the project tapered off?
Development goes in spurts.  They are mostly trying to close up the 
final details on
2.5 and get that released.  Mostly is is documentation updates, partly 
from the
project renaming and partly from some migration of the packages that 
generate
the doc files.

But, LinuxCNC is very definitely an active project, there are a bunch of 
new ideas
for moving past 2.5, some having to do with trajectory improvements.
>   Are there any regular meetings to discuss the development of LinuxCNC?
Lots of chat on the IRC, some on the mailing lists.  There is also a 
board list exclusive
to the board members.
>   Is linuxCNC currently funded?
Never has been, and a number of board and other members have said "never 
will be!"
I'm not sure I agree with that, but there has been a strong sentiment to 
not let it be
beholden to some company.  I DO agree with that.

Jon