Introduction

P4 (named for “Programming Protocol-independent Packet Processors”) is a language for expressing how packets are processed by the data plane of a forwarding element such as a hardware or software switch, network interface card, router, or network appliance. 

The P4 Project is open to participation by any individual or organization willing and able to make an active and material contribution to the following objectives:

• Build a thriving open source community dedicated to the use and improvement of the P4 language.
• Utilize P4 to describe how a forwarding plane should process packets.
• Promote standardization and improvement of the P4 language
• Enable industry participants to develop new technologies that function in accordance with the specification.
• Benefit consumers and the industry by facilitating adoption of the P4 language.

Dig In: Participation is all about getting started. We recommend you start by joining appropriate mailig lists and getting your hands dirty with the code. 

• p4-announce : general admin list: meeting schedules, announcements of significant contributions (low-volume) Archive
• p4-dev : active list for coders and users of P4 Archive
• p4-discuss : open list for all issues that aren’t directly related to development/code Archive
• p4-design : open list for discussing design of the P4 language Archive
• P4 Slack - join here

Technical Steering Team (TST)

The Technical Steering Team is the group of people responsible for the technical direction of the project. As of April 2022, the P4 TST consists of the following members:

• Andy Fingerhut (andy.fingerhut@intel.com)
• JK Lee
• Larry Peterson (larry.peterson@intel.com)
• Steffen Smolka 
• Robert Soule (robert.soule@yale.edu)
• Noa Zilberman (noa.zilberman@eng.ox.ac.uk)

P4.org

Additional resources, such as specifications, publications, tutorial videos, past events, and ecosystem information is available on the newly revamped p4.org website. We recommend checking out the website if you can't find what you are looking for here on the wiki. 

ONF Membership

P4 is a project hosted by the Open Networking Foundation (ONF). ONF Membership is not required to participate in P4 activities, but there are a few ways to more fully engage with the ONF community.

You can get recognized as an ONF Collaborator if you propose an active contribution and/or just let us know about where and how you have been active. Click here for more information on becoming an ONF Collaborator.

ONF Membership allows organizations to more fully support P4 and the ONF’s activities. It also provides access to member-only activities and resources. You can learn more here about becoming an ONF member.

We expect all ONF employees, member companies, and participants to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have any questions or concerns, please notify a member of the ONF team or email conduct@opennetworking.org.