Currently, our repository enforces strict formatting requirements for most files. Contributors must reproduce the exact output of a specific formatting tool, often tied to a particular version and set of parameters.
While internal developers can easily comply using company-provided tooling, this process is significantly more challenging for external contributors. They must replicate the same tooling infrastructure on their own, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
The situation is further complicated by periodic changes to formatting requirements—such as updates to tool versions or even switching to entirely new formatters—often with little advance notice.
To make external contributions more accessible and welcoming, we should consider ways to reduce or eliminate these barriers. Potential solutions include:
- Dropping the strict formatting requirement (easiest, but also a bit of a pity)
- Relaxing formatting requirements, making it easier to fulfill (like, accepting multiple versions and/or multiple tools)
- Providing the necessary formatting tools in an obvious and accessible way (downloadable pre-configured binaries)
- Automating formatting on the server side (e.g., via CI/CD hooks or bots)
The exact approach is open for discussion. The key objective is to improve the experience for external contributors and encourage broader participation.
Currently, our repository enforces strict formatting requirements for most files. Contributors must reproduce the exact output of a specific formatting tool, often tied to a particular version and set of parameters.
While internal developers can easily comply using company-provided tooling, this process is significantly more challenging for external contributors. They must replicate the same tooling infrastructure on their own, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
The situation is further complicated by periodic changes to formatting requirements—such as updates to tool versions or even switching to entirely new formatters—often with little advance notice.
To make external contributions more accessible and welcoming, we should consider ways to reduce or eliminate these barriers. Potential solutions include:
The exact approach is open for discussion. The key objective is to improve the experience for external contributors and encourage broader participation.