Downstream Fork

Noun · Open Source

Definitions

  1. A derived project or package maintained separately from an upstream source, usually carrying its own patches, packaging choices, or release cadence. Downstream forks are common in Linux distributions, vendor-maintained packages, and opinionated product ecosystems.

    In plain English: A separately maintained version of a project built on top of the original source.

    Example: "The downstream fork added enterprise auth patches that upstream was not willing to maintain."

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