The Eclipse Contributor Agreement: A Quick Guide for Developers
If you are a software developer, you may have heard of the Eclipse Foundation. This non-profit organization is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment (IDE), an open-source software platform used for building, testing, and deploying applications.
If you are interested in contributing to the Eclipse community, you will need to sign the Eclipse Contributor Agreement (ECA). This agreement is a legal document that outlines your rights and responsibilities as a contributor to the Eclipse project.
Here is what you need to know about the Eclipse Contributor Agreement:
What is the Eclipse Contributor Agreement?
The Eclipse Contributor Agreement is a legal document that grants the Eclipse Foundation the right to use, distribute, and modify your contributions to the Eclipse project under the Eclipse Public License (EPL). The EPL is an open-source license used by the Eclipse Foundation, which allows for the distribution and modification of software with very few restrictions.
Why do I need to sign the Eclipse Contributor Agreement?
If you want to contribute to the Eclipse project, you need to sign the ECA. This agreement is necessary to protect the interests of both the Eclipse Foundation and the contributors. By signing the ECA, you are agreeing to give up some of your legal rights to the contributions you make to the Eclipse project. In return, you are granted the right to use and distribute any code contributed by others under the EPL.
What does the Eclipse Contributor Agreement cover?
The ECA covers all contributions made by you to the Eclipse project, including code, documentation, and any other materials. It grants the Eclipse Foundation the right to use, distribute, and modify your contributions under the EPL.
The ECA also includes a warranty clause, which states that you are providing your contributions to the Eclipse project “as is” and that you are not liable for any damages resulting from the use of your contributions.
How do I sign the Eclipse Contributor Agreement?
To sign the ECA, you will need to create an Eclipse account. Once you have created an account, you can access the ECA and sign it electronically. You only need to sign the ECA once, and it will cover all future contributions you make to the Eclipse project.
In conclusion, the Eclipse Contributor Agreement is an important document for software developers who want to contribute to the Eclipse community. By signing the ECA, you are agreeing to give up some of your legal rights to your contributions, but you are also gaining the right to use and distribute any code contributed by others under the EPL. If you are interested in contributing to the Eclipse project, be sure to read the ECA thoroughly and understand its implications before signing.
