Overview
The Node.js project has a Code of Conduct that all contributors are expected to follow. This code describes the minimum behavior expectations for all contributors.Purpose
As a contributor to Node.js, how you choose to act and interact towards your fellow contributors, as well as to the community, will reflect back not only on yourself but on the project as a whole. The Code of Conduct is designed and intended, above all else, to help establish a culture within the project that allows anyone and everyone who wants to contribute to feel safe doing so.Core Principles
Trust and Good Faith
Open, diverse, and inclusive communities live and die on the basis of trust. Contributors can disagree with one another so long as they trust that those disagreements are in good faith and everyone is working towards a common goal.Respect and Professionalism
All interactions should demonstrate:- Respect for differing viewpoints and experiences
- Graceful acceptance of constructive criticism
- Focus on what is best for the community
- Empathy towards other community members
Safety and Inclusion
The Node.js community strives to be:- Welcoming to contributors of all backgrounds
- Free from harassment and discrimination
- A safe space for collaboration and learning
- Inclusive of diverse perspectives and experiences
Enforcement
Should any individual act in any way that is considered in violation of the Code of Conduct, corrective actions will be taken. It is possible, however, for any individual to act in such a manner that is not in violation of the strict letter of the Code of Conduct guidelines while still going completely against the spirit of what that Code is intended to accomplish.Bad Actors
All contributors to Node.js tacitly agree to abide by both the letter and spirit of the Code of Conduct. Failure, or unwillingness, to do so will result in contributions being respectfully declined.Definition
A bad actor is someone who repeatedly violates the spirit of the Code of Conduct through failure to regulate how they interact with others. In doing so, bad actors:- Alienate other contributors
- Discourage collaboration
- Generally reflect poorly on the project as a whole
Intent vs. Impact
Being a bad actor may be intentional or unintentional. Typically, unintentional bad behavior can be easily corrected by:- Being quick to apologize
- Correcting course even if you are not entirely convinced you need to
- Giving other contributors the benefit of the doubt
- Having a sincere willingness to admit that you might be wrong
Moderation Policy
The Node.js project follows a comprehensive Moderation Policy that outlines:- How violations are reported
- The investigation process
- Potential corrective actions
- Appeals process
Reporting Issues
If you experience or witness behavior that violates the Code of Conduct:- For urgent safety concerns: Contact the moderation team immediately
- For general violations: Report through the established channels
- For questions: Reach out to the Technical Steering Committee (TSC)
Expectations for Contributors
Be Welcoming
- Welcome first-time contributors
- Provide constructive feedback
- Assume good intentions
- Be patient with questions
Be Respectful
- Use welcoming and inclusive language
- Be respectful of differing opinions
- Accept constructive criticism gracefully
- Focus on collaboration, not conflict
Be Professional
- Keep discussions focused and on-topic
- Avoid personal attacks
- Respect the time and effort of others
- Maintain professional boundaries
Be Responsible
- Take ownership of your actions
- Apologize when you make mistakes
- Learn from feedback
- Help maintain a positive community
Key Takeaways
The Code of Conduct applies to all project spaces, including GitHub, communication channels, events, and any other forum created by the project team.
Resources
- Full Code of Conduct
- Moderation Policy
- TSC Repository - For governance questions