This is one of the tier 2 standards. See full list on the main page.
A Code of Conduct is a document that defines the social standards of the developer and user community and outlines how someone should behave when they engage with the community. They usually cover how to respectfully contribute to the software, how to address any problems that may arise, and aim to create an inclusive environment for all involved.
Code of Conduct files help to ensure ethical behavior within a software team and create an environment that is safe and respectful. It also serves as a document that can be referred to in case of incidents.
However, a Code of Conduct is only as good as its enforcement. As you are choosing one, make sure you understand its implications and think about how you will execute its terms if it is violated.
Software teams are welcome to simply duplicate an already existing Code of Conduct file from another repository, start with someone else's file and add changes, or make their own from scratch.
These are some Codes of Conduct to look over for ideas:
- The Space Telescope Open Source Code of Conduct
- The Astropy Code of Conduct
- The Numfocus Code of Conduct
There is also the Github Code of Conduct Template that can be used.
Software teams should thoughtfully consider the contents they want to go in their Code of Conduct file. When they have decided, their final file should be named CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md and should live in the top level of the repository.
Moving forward, teams should always have their code of conduct in mind as they continue their work on the repository and be prepared to call out and/or report behavior that violates this code.