What are the community guidelines on Stack Overflow?

Asked 4 months ago
Stack Overflow has established community guidelines to ensure that interactions are respectful, constructive, and conducive to a collaborative environment. These guidelines focus on creating a positive experience for everyone involved in the community, from newcomers to seasoned experts. One of the primary tenets of the community is to maintain a culture of respect. Users are encouraged to treat others with kindness and consideration, regardless of their level of expertise. This includes avoiding any form of harassment or abusive language, and being patient when helping others who may be less experienced. Additionally, Stack Overflow emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality content. Users should strive to ask clear, concise questions and provide sufficient details to enable others to offer meaningful answers. Likewise, answers should be relevant, well-researched, and explain concepts in a manner that is easy to understand. The platform also discourages any form of spamming or self-promotion. Users are advised to focus on delivering valuable contributions and sharing knowledge rather than attempting to promote personal websites, services, or products. Engaging in discussions that are on-topic and relevant to the community's focus of programming and technology is of utmost importance. Furthermore, Stack Overflow encourages collaboration and positive interactions. Users are invited to provide constructive feedback and to engage in discussions that enhance the learning experience for all. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose within the community. For those who wish to explore the specific details of the community guidelines, they can be found on the platform itself. It is advisable for users to familiarize themselves with these guidelines before participating actively in discussions or posting questions and answers. By adhering to these principles, individuals can contribute to a vibrant and supportive community that thrives on knowledge sharing and mutual growth.
Christian Allen is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Answered Aug 11, 2025

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