omarchy Linux creator speaks out against codes of conduct

David Heinemeier Hansson, creator of the Ruby on Rails framework, has publicly rejected codes of conduct in software development. He considers them legal language that, in his view, has served to arm what he calls a "proge inquisition".

David Heinemeier Hansson, known as DHH, is the creator of the **Ruby on Rails** framework, a tool used to build platforms such as **Basecamp** and **GitHub**. He is also a partner at the firm 37signals. In a message posted on X, he lashed out at the codes of conduct that many tech communities adopt to regulate the behavior of their members.

## What is a code of conduct

A code of conduct is a document that sets rules of behavior in a space, whether a company, an event, or an open source software project. In the tech world they became popular from **2014** onward, when several open source projects adopted them to curb harassment in their communities. They typically include definitions of acceptable behavior, reporting channels, and consequences.

Hansson rejects that model. In his message he states that the legalistic and evasive language of these codes served to arm what he calls a "proge inquisition". He adds that he will not accept it again.

## The debate over their enforcement

Hansson's criticism ties into a broader debate over who decides what counts as unacceptable conduct and with what safeguards sanctions are applied. Defenders of these codes argue they give a voice to groups historically marginalized in technology. Critics claim they lend themselves to arbitrary interpretations.

Hansson does not detail in his message which specific case prompted him to speak out. His position reflects a current that rejects what it sees as ideological imposition in the industry.

## A name that carries weight in the industry

Hansson's opinion matters because **Ruby on Rails** powers thousands of applications in production. His stance may influence how other open projects approach their own internal rules. The controversy over codes of conduct has been running for years in the tech community and shows no sign of ending.