New Contributor

This page lists out the current recommended steps to submit a patch as a New Contributor to OpenJDK. It assumes that you are making a fairly small change to core OpenJDK libraries, (i.e. Java code, as opposed to Hotspot C/C++/Assembly) for the jdk9 project or jdk8 updates project.

NOTE: A new project called Betterrev is being built to automate the manual steps below and provide a Build & Test farm for new patch contributions. We're looking for more volunteers, please contact adoption-discuss@openjdk.java.net if you'd like to help!

I NEED HELP! If you need help at any time don't hesitate to contact us at adoption-discuss@openjdk.java.net or on the IRC channel (#adoptopenjdk on irc.freenode.net).

First Step

Read the Official Contribution Guide for OpenJDK.

I'm comfortable starting on my own

If you feel you are comfortable diving straight in, then simply follow the steps outlined in the Official Contribution Guide.

I'd like to be guided through my first patch(es)

If you'd like some assistance in submitting your first patch, then the adoption group is a great place to start! You generally need to go through the following steps.

Find something you'd like to work on, either in JBUG or if you need some ideas contact the mailing list.
Once you've decided, email the mailing list and state what you're going to work on. It's important to discuss a patch early!
Sign the OCA if you haven't already done so.
Get the latest OpenJDK source and build it - Instructions Here
Make your changes.
1. Don't forget to update the appropriate test case or provide a new one using TestNG
Run the jtreg tests locally to make sure your patch is OK
Each OpenJDK project has their own coding standards, you should check for the area that you are working on. Make sure you check the relevant project page and apply the standards as needed.
Create a Webrev for your patch - it will create a mini static HTML website for you.
Host the Webrev somewhere on a web server that others can find/see.

At this stage you've probably done as much as you can locally, the next steps are:

Email adoption-discuss@openjdk.java.net linking your Webrev and ask for an initial review.
Once that passes, you'll need to find a Sponsor to officially review your patch. This is typically someone with Reviewer status for that project, we can help you find one.
If you didn't have a JBUG issue, you may need to ask that reviewer to submit a bug on your behalf to reference against.
Assuming your patch passes review it will then be merged into OpenJDK. Please note that subsequent testing by Oracle's internal team in particular may find bugs in your patch and you'll be asked to fix those!

I NEED HELP! If you need help at any time don't hesitate to contact us at adoption-discuss@openjdk.java.net or on the IRC channel (#adoptopenjdk on irc.freenode.net).