New packager guide

[JohanSJA]

As I read through the sticky posts, I found a lot of ambiguities. Practices suggested in one post but it is actually outdated, especially packaging how-to: getting started (http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,54827.15.html). I read about the pkgutils and found it to be useful in replacing the needs of creating the directories manually. There are some updates that should be done.

[JohanSJA]

And also, instead of requesting the starters to install the individual packages, it seems that there is a-task-packager-minimal package that pulls all the required packages.

[JohanSJA]

Instead of asking to install TinyMe, it is better to install MiniMe 2010 now. Or am I wrong? 

[Joble]

You're right, it does need updating.

[JohanSJA]

From the file that I have gotten from this board, I have updated the Build RPM guide to utilize pkgutils more. I also tried to make it more toward PCLinuxOS by removing TinyMe whenever possible. Some are still kept to give credit back to the original author.

[Neal ManBear]

JohanSJA,
Over the past several months, the team has been busy with getting 2010 ready. Yes, there have been changes since 2009, but there isn't a large number of people here to do the work and update all the stickies, too. The choice to get the packages rebuilt to work with the new tools, plus the work to get the new ISO ready was necessary.
Sometimes it is necessary to be patient.

A start has been made --
http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,73864.0.html

Yea, I know, it isn't a lot. But it is a start.

[JohanSJA]

I understand the amount of works that have to be done by the team. I appreciate that. Anyway, I am just doing what I can in order to contribute back to this distro that I like. It is also one of my effort to participate more in a FLOSS world.

[Neal ManBear]

I understand the amount of works that have to be done by the team. I appreciate that. Anyway, I am just doing what I can in order to contribute back to this distro that I like. It is also one of my effort to participate more in a FLOSS world.

We appreciate the contribution.
It seemed to me, after reading your posts, that you should be made aware that we were not simply ignoring the packaging section stickies and etc.

[JohanSJA]

  I am sorry with my tone. English is not my first language. Sorry for the offence.

[Neal ManBear]

I am sorry with my tone. English is not my first language. Sorry for the offence.

Don't worry, JohanSJA.
 

[travisN000]

..I've been wanting to rebuild the old packagers wiki / "how-to" as a part of the main wiki for a while, but just haven't had the time.    I will take a look at your odt file sometime this week...  perhaps it will get me motivated and even make for a good starting point!

 

[JohanSJA]

I didn't do much either. I just updated the guide that others have done. Good luck on your work.

[Joble]

There is still some good information in the old guide.  It's not that we haven't been wanting to update it, it's that we haven't found the time, between life and packaging.  Yeah, it really needs an update.

[JohanSJA]

I understand the difficulty of managing time. But I also believe in the power of community in creating something useful. Thanks everyone for your efforts in keeping PCLinuxOS alive and better.

[travisN000]

I started adding info from the old packaging guide to the wiki this afternoon..  I'm trying to update it with current best practices / processes as I go, as well as adding additional tips / tricks / links where they fit in.
  

If any one is interested in proofreading / critiquing, take a look here:

http://www.pclinuxos.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Packaging

..and post your feedback / suggestions back in this thread.

Thank you!


PS..  If anyone is interested in translating, feel free to jump in!  I have set up links at the top of the page for other languages.  The easiest way is probably to just use the edit button on a page to copy the existing  content and layout, hit the back button, click on the language you would like to translate it to, and when you get to the edit box for the new translation paste in the original content and translate it.