Andrew Tridgell

Andrew combines foundational file-transfer work with ongoing maintenance of rsync and developer testing tools for autonomous systems. MAVProxy helps ArduPilot developers test new software builds, while rsync’s security maintenance protects users transferring files between machines. The team’s August 2026 release paired all 33 security fixes with regression tests, making each repair a repeatable check against future faults.

Andrew Tridgell is an open-source developer based in Canberra, Australia, working across rsync, ArduPilot and MAVProxy. The creator of Samba also co-developed the rsync algorithm with Paul Mackerras to synchronise files across machines by transferring only unmatched data, and completed a PhD in computer science at the Australian National University in 2000.

Andrew maintains rsync, serves as systems lead for the ArduPilot autopilot project, and co-maintains MAVProxy alongside Peter Barker and Stephen Dade. MAVProxy provides ground-station software frequently used by developers to test new builds through software-based simulation, linking reliable data transfer with practical testing tools for autonomous flight.

Software quality also relies on sustained maintenance and shared knowledge. The rsync team’s August 2026 release resolved 33 security issues, pairing every fix with a regression test to prevent regressions. Andrew also contributes to the wider engineering community through published talks and tutorials on Samba testing, software engineering and ArduPilot.