Contributing to MAVLink

We follow the Github flow development model.

Contributions are divided into several categories:

Complicated changes that require significant review should be initiated using an RFC pull request in mavlink/rfcs. This is primarily intended for new microservice interface definitions, as these require discussion of both messages and message sequences (state machines) (examples: parameter or mission protocol). Depending on the scope of the change, it may also be required when modifying a microservice.
Less complex changes should be submitted as a PRs to the mavlink/mavlink repository. This includes message additions/changes that do not affect a state machine.
Changes to mavgen generator code should be submitted as PRs to the ArduPilot/Pymavlink repository.

The sections below explain how to contribute to each category and how to raise a pull request.

How to Contribute Complex Changes

Open a pull request against the RFC repository containing a new RFC number https://github.com/mavlink/rfcs and use the template in the 0000 RFC.
Reach out to the community on Slack and the mailing list to raise awareness
Address concerns by pushing more commits to the pull request

Open a pull request against the specification repository: https://github.com/mavlink/mavlink
Reach out to the community on Slack and the mailing list to raise awareness
Address concerns by pushing more commits to the pull request

First fork and clone the project project.
Create a feature branch off master
```
git checkout -b mydescriptivebranchname
```
Always branch off master for new features.
Commit your changes with a descriptive commit message.
- Include context information, what was fixed, and an issue number (Github will link these then conveniently)
- Example:
```
Change the attitude output spec documentation

- Fixes a typo
- Clarifies that units are radians

Fixes issue #123
```
Test your changes (we may ask you for test results in your PR).

Push changes to your repo:

git push origin mydescriptivebranchname

We have a regular dev call that is open to anyone who is interested in contributing to the project!