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Back to blogThe Future of SCIPJustin DorfmanMichal KielbowiczMarch 25, 2026In June 2022, we introduced SCIP (pronounced "skip"), a language-agnostic protocol designed for indexing source code. SCIP powers essential code navigation features like Go to definition and Find references in Sourcegraph.As SCIP approaches its fourth anniversary, we have decided to transition it from a Sourcegraph-owned project to an independent one with an open governance structure. A Core Steering Committee will be established to guide SCIP's future development.Sourcegraph remains a deeply committed and active member of the community; we will continue to use and invest heavily in SCIP.‍We are thrilled to announce the formation of our inaugural Core Steering Committee, which includes engineers from Uber and Meta. We welcome and encourage new contributors to join us.Open Governance for a Scalable EcosystemThis new structure is designed to promote innovation and predictability while safeguarding the protocol's stability. Our governance model introduces three crucial tiers to empower our community of contributors and partners:1. A Public, Transparent SEP ProcessThe core protocol schema will now be governed by a structured Request for Comments (RFC) mechanism: the SCIP Enhancement Proposals (SEP) process. This ensures that every significant change, from architectural shifts to schema updates, is proposed, debated, and resolved publicly.2. The Core Steering Committee (CSC)The ultimate decisions on strategic direction, governance, and final protocol definitions rest with the newly formed Core Steering Committee (CSC). This group of esteemed industry leaders and experts ensures SCIP’s long-term health and coherence.Checkout the governance for more info.Welcoming Our Inaugural Core Steering CommitteeWe are incredibly proud to announce the founding members of the SCIP Core Steering Committee. Their diverse perspectives and deep technical knowledge will be foundational as we scale the protocol.Please welcome:Catherine Gasnier from MetaJamy Timmermans from UberMichal Kielbowicz from SourcegraphThis partnership shows the industry is committed to making SCIP an open standard for everyone.Join Us in Shaping the FutureWe invite you to participate in this new era of SCIP.Explore the Rules: You can read the complete details of how this project is run in our newly updated governace.Propose an Idea: Submit your first architectural or schema proposal using the new SEP template available on GitHub Issues.Join the Conversation: We invite you to join our Discord and provide feedback.We are excited about what we can build together. Let’s make code intelligence truly universal.‍A special thanks to the following individuals for their contributions to this transition: Robert Lin and Erik SeligerSubscribe for the latest code AI news and product updates

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The Sourcegraph blog post details a significant transition for SCIP (pronounced “skip”), a language-agnostic protocol designed for indexing source code, marking its shift from a Sourcegraph-owned project to an independently governed one. Introduced in June 2022, SCIP is the foundation for features like Go to Definition and Find References within Sourcegraph’s code navigation capabilities. As SCIP approaches its fourth anniversary, the company, led by Justin Dorfman and Michal Kielbowicz, is formalizing a move towards an open governance model to foster scalability and innovation.

The core strategy involves establishing a Core Steering Committee (CSC) comprised of representatives from major tech companies such as Uber and Meta, alongside Michal Kielbowicz himself. This committee’s role is to provide strategic direction, oversee governance, and ultimately determine protocol definitions. Sourcegraph itself will remain a committed and active contributor, continuing to invest heavily in SCIP’s development. The team aims to bolster the protocol’s stability while embracing new ideas and contributions.

A key element of this transition is the implementation of a structured Request for Comments (RFC) process, formalized through SCIP Enhancement Proposals (SEP). This mechanism ensures transparency and community involvement in all significant changes, including architectural modifications and schema updates. The SEP process introduces three governance tiers: a public, transparent RFC process; the Core Steering Committee; and a broader community of contributors. This layered approach intends to balance predictability with adaptability.

The inaugural Core Steering Committee includes Catherine Gasnier from Meta, Jamy Timmermans from Uber, and Michal Kielbowicz from Sourcegraph. This diverse group brings considerable industry expertise to the table and serves as a vital component of SCIP’s future development. The move signals a broader commitment from the industry to SCIP as an open standard.

Sourcegraph encourages community participation through several avenues, including submitting SEP proposals via GitHub Issues, engaging in discussions on a Discord channel, and reviewing the overall governance model. The company recognizes the importance of a collaborative ecosystem to ensure the continued success and universal applicability of SCIP's technology.

The transition also includes a reaffirmation of Sourcegraph’s commitment to providing comprehensive support, including documentation, pricing information, a resource library, and a security and compliance portal. The blog post heavily promotes Sourcegraph’s key offerings, such as Deep Search, Code Search, Batch Changes, Insights, MCP, APIs, and extensions, positioning them as integral components of a robust code intelligence platform. Furthermore, the company highlights the ability to search public code repositories, suggesting a focus on broad accessibility and utility. Sourcegraph’s strategy emphasizes accelerating software development and promoting code understanding for both humans and agents.