Top-Level Project (TLP)
These are fully established, mature projects that have graduated from the incubator.
Characteristics:
- Stable governance and active community
- Regular releases
- Full ASF oversight
- Examples: Apache Hadoop, Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache HTTP Server
Apache Incubator Project
New projects enter the ASF through the Incubator.
Purpose of incubation:
- Build an active community
- Establish release procedures
- Ensure Apache licensing, IP clearance
- Validate long-term sustainability
Apache Attic
Projects that are inactive or abandoned are moved to the Apache Attic.
Reasons for Attic placement:
- Community inactive
- No updates or releases
- Lack of maintainers
These projects are not developed anymore, but old code remains accessible.
Apache Labs (Experimental Playground)
A lesser-known area where ASF committers can experiment.
Characteristics:
- Not official ASF projects
- No governance requirements
- May or may not become incubator proposals
Reference link