Other development begins internally, as some packages are written entirely by
Ubuntu developers, including both those paid by Canonical and those who are
volunteers in the wider Ubuntu community, doing so for personal or
community benefit or just for fun. These packages receive the new features
slated for the release and are then made into new Ubuntu packages.
Testing occurs throughout the cycle, starting as soon as the first new packages
begin to be uploaded. Testing often uncovers bugs, which are problems with
the software, such as errors that occur when the program is run. Bug reports
are made using Launchpad, which is the issue tracker and code-hosting
solution created by Canonical for Ubuntu. Developers and community
members read and triage bugs into categories based on their importance.
Critical bugs must be fixed before final release. Important bugs should be
fixed as soon as possible. Other bugs might be irritating but not vital to the
operation of the program or the overall Ubuntu system, and, because of
limited resources, they might be put off until someone has time to deal with
them. Every time bugs are fixed, a new package must be made for the
software so that it can be again uploaded into a repository for testing and
review.
Alpha releases are made. Beta releases are made. Testing and bug fixing
continue. Some software might be found to include new bugs that make the
software unsuitable for use, so the previous version of the software may then
be used. This is called “rolling back” to the previous version.
Eventually, the release day arrives. Everything works. The Ubuntu
community rejoices and takes a week or two off. Then, it is time for the next
set of planning meetings.
Setting Up Your Development System
Before you can begin helping with Ubuntu development, you must set up
your system so that it works seamlessly with the rest of the Ubuntu
community. There is a standard set of packages to install, and there are some
standard steps you must perform.
Install Basic Packages and Configure
The Ubuntu development community has created a convenient package that
installs everything you need to get started. Install packaging-dev from
the Ubuntu software repositories, which includes:
gnupg—the GNU Privacy Guard, which includes the cryptographic tools