> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mifos.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mifos.org/general-contributing-guidelines/upstream-first-approach.md).

# Upstream Development Approach

Early committer status and individual merit are some incentives we want to encourage upstream development. We should return to the Apache Way and how this is one type of contribution that helps to build merit.

We also need to better communicate the process of contributing upstream through this section, rather than just developing off-list and throwing it over the fence.