The Standard for Public Code supports the collaborative creation of codebases that are usable, open, legible, accountable, accessible and sustainable. The Standard includes guidance to policymakers, managers, designers and developers creating and managing codebases.

The standard specifies the criteria:

  1. Code in the open
  2. Bundle policy and source code
  3. Make the codebase reusable and portable
  4. Welcome contributors
  5. Make contributing easy
  6. Maintain version control
  7. Require review of contributions
  8. Document codebase objectives
  9. Document the code
  10. Use plain English
  11. Use open standards
  12. Use continuous integration
  13. Publish with an open license
  14. Make the codebase findable
  15. Use a coherent style
  16. Document codebase maturity

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Standard for Public Code

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https://www.standardforpubliccode.org