Grow with the IvorySQL community
Whether you are a user, a developer, or a database expert, there is a place for you here.
Join as a User and grow step by step along a clear five-level path.
IvorySQL contributor growth path
One path, five steps — everyone starts at User and advances one level at a time.
User
Download IvorySQL, try it, ask and answer questions.
1Contributor
Your first accepted contribution makes you official.
2Significant Contributor
Recent, steady contributions the community recognizes.
3Committer
Now you are core — merge rights and all.
4PMC Member
A governance member shaping the project — the end of the path.
Not just code: documentation translation, answering questions, organizing events, and open-source advocacy all count as contributions.
Ready? Start with your first contribution
Every accepted contribution moves you one step up the path.
Open the Contributing GuideZoom in on each level
User
What this level is
The doorway to the community. Install IvorySQL, use it for real work, and connect with the people around it.
What you can do here
- ✓Install and use IvorySQL for your own projects
- ✓Ask questions — and help others with answers
- ✓Follow releases and community news
To reach the next level
Make one accepted contribution and you become a Contributor. A well-written Issue already counts — it's the easiest first step.
Contributor
What this level is
Your first accepted contribution — an issue, a doc fix, a review, or a small PR — puts you on the contributor map.
What you can do here
- ✓A digital contribution certificate you can show anywhere
- ✓Your name on the contributor wall
- ✓You can request a personal “Beacon” mentor
To reach the next level
Stay engaged — contribute in at least 2 of the past 3 months — and you will grow into a Significant Contributor.
Significant Contributor
What this level is
A contributor who has been active over the last few months and stands out in at least two of: code review, technical discussion, merged code, or a mentor’s endorsement.
How to get here
Contributions in at least 2 of the last 3 complete calendar months, plus at least 2 of the following:
- ≥ 3 accepted code-review comments
- ≥ 5 substantive contributions to community technical discussions
- At least 1 merged non-documentation pull request
- A written recommendation from a mentor or a Committer
What you can do here
- ✓First pick for speaking at community events
- ✓Eligible to become a maintainer of a module
- ✓Considered for annual awards and open-source summer programs
To reach the next level
Contribute in 8 of the last 12 months, go deep into one module, and be nominated by a PMC Member.
Committer
What this level is
You are trusted with the repositories: merge code, approve pull requests, and help ship releases.
What you can do here
- ✓Merge code and approve pull requests
- ✓Help plan and ship releases
- ✓Mentor newer contributors
To reach the next level
Show leadership across the community and be nominated by at least two PMC Members.
PMC Member
What this level is
The top of the path: as a PMC Member you help decide where the project goes next.
What you can do here
- ✓Vote on the roadmap, releases, and new members
- ✓Nominate the next generation of Committers and PMC Members
Beyond this level, you can be elected to the Technical Committee or invited to the Expert Advisory Committee — the governance roles that shape the community itself.
Support along the way — a “Beacon” mentor
- From Contributor on, you can request a Beacon mentor
- Mentors are Committers, PMC Members, or Technical Committee members. They help you find your first contribution, review your work, and back your promotion
Ready to take your first step?
Start with one contribution — an issue report, a translation, a code review, or a pull request. Every accepted contribution moves you up the path.
Governance roles
Community decisions are made by two separate governance bodies.
Technical Committee
The community’s technical decision body, elected from PMC Members.
- Term of 2 years, renewable
- Reviews major architecture changes and approves release plans
- Members keep their PMC Member status
Expert Advisory Committee
An external advisory group of invited database specialists.
- Independent of the five levels — not a promotion step
- Advises on database technology, open-source trends, and ecosystem