Hello devs, I would like to start a discussion to release the externalized Kudu connector. To make anyone up to date regarding what happened until now and why, let me summarize the story.
Originally, the Kudu connector was part of the Bahir Flink [1] repository, but it was moved into the attic in early 2024. Since there was demand to still maintain and develop this connector, I initiated FLIP-439 [2] to externalize this connector and adapt it to the externalized Flink connector model. I think at this point the connector is in a good state, all the original deliverables are done, and some new features and improvements were also developed that was not part of the scope of the FLIP, feel free to check all the items [3]. All in all, I think the connector is ready for its first release in the standalone externalized model, and according to the current Flink releases I would suggest to release it for the currently supported 1.x minor Flink versions, which means 1.19, and 1.20. If the community agrees, I also volunteer to be the release manager. WDYT? Thanks, Ferenc [1] https://github.com/apache/bahir-flink [2] https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/FLINK/FLIP-439%3A+Externalize+Kudu+Connector+from+Bahir [3] https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/FLINK-37527?jql=project%20%3D%20FLINK%20AND%20fixVersion%20%3D%20kudu-2.0.0%20and%20resolution%20%3D%20Fixed%20
