Launchpad is a suite of web-based tools that help people and projects to collaborate in the creation of free software.

Several high-profile free software projects use Launchpad, including:

• Ubuntu - Linux-based operating system.
• Bazaar - distributed version control.
• Zope 3 - web application server.
• Jokosher - easy to use audio recorder and editor.

What you can do with Launchpad

You run a free software project

• Track your project's bugs.
• Host your project's code and downloadable files.
• Plan and track work on your project.
• Translate your project into different languages.
• Provide an easy way for users to ask for and give help.
• Package experimental versions of your software for Ubuntu and host them using Launchpad.

As an individual

• Report and find out more about bugs in free software.
• Translate free software into your language.
• Find the source code for free software projects.
• Propose and develop ideas for new features in free software projects.
• Ask for help if you get stuck when using free software.
• Offer help to other users of free software.
• Download installers and documentation for free software projects.
• Package software for Ubuntu and make it available in a Launchpad apt repository.

Getting started with Launchpad

The first step to using Launchpad is to register your user account. Follow our guide to [:CreatingYourLaunchpadAccount:creating your Launchpad account].

If you want to use Launchpad for your free software project, follow our guide to [:RegisteringANewProject:registering your project].