New Features GitHub repo and project

Django is experimenting with a new GitHub repository specifically designed to manage feature ideas and their progression. This is a significant shift away from the previous process of posting those to the forum.

Introducing the Django Features Repository

The Django Steering Council has launched a new GitHub repository, django/new-features dedicated to managing feature requests and ideas. This repository works in conjunction with a GitHub project to provide more efficient tracking of feature ideas as they move through various stages of consideration.

Why This Matters for Django Developers

This new approach aims to addresses several challenges the Django community has faced with feature requests:

1. Community involvement: Clear guidelines on how to participate in feature discussions
2. Structured workflow: A defined path from idea to implementation
3. Better resource allocation: Prioritization based on community support and feasibility

The New Feature Process Flow

The process follows a workflow with several key decision points:

1. New Idea Submission: Community members submit feature ideas as GitHub issues
2. Community Support Phase: The community reacts with emojis and comments to express support or concerns
3. Evaluation for Core Inclusion: The Steering Council determines if the feature belongs in Django core or whether it is more appropriate as a 3rd party package
4. Implementation Planning: Through an expedited DEP (Django Enhancement Proposal) process

How to Participate

Have a Feature Idea?

If you have an idea for improving Django, the process starts by creating an issue in the new repository. Before submitting, review the new feature process documentation to understand what to expect.

Want to Help Shape Django's Future?

There are three key areas where community involvement is needed:

1. Community Support Assessment: Review open tickets and share your support using emoji reactions
   • 👍 For features you would use
   • 👎 For features that might cause problems
   • 😕 For features you're indifferent about
   • 🎉 For easy wins

1. Core Evaluation: Help determine whether features should exist in Django core or as third-party packages
2. Implementation Volunteering: Assist with implementing, reviewing implementations, and maintenance of approved features

Benefits for the Django Community

We believe this new process can help with:

• Clearer communication: Understanding where a feature stands in the process
• More efficient feature development: Resources directed to features with demonstrated community support
• Better separation of concerns: Distinguishing between features that belong in core versus those better suited as third-party packages
• Reduced friction: Expedited processes for smaller feature requests

Providing Feedback

If you have thoughts about the new process itself, we'd love to get feedback through the Django Forum.

Conclusion

The experimental new feature repository represents is one of several steps Django is taking in order to try and improve the contributor experience journey. By providing a structured, transparent process for feature requests, Django aims to better serve its community while maintaining the framework's quality and sustainability.

For developers interested in contributing to Django or proposing new features, this new system should provide clearer expectations while making it easier to locate and participate in the discussion around a specific feature.

Check out the repository at django/new-features to learn more and start participating in this new adventure.