From d20cbf334e95f36eb77f728efb8c7f56f80f3795 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: P. J. McDermott Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2012 01:04:51 -0500 Subject: Rewrite source package format rationale. --- (limited to 'specs') diff --git a/specs/source-package-format-1.0.txt b/specs/source-package-format-1.0.txt index 6d623d1..b1e08e0 100644 --- a/specs/source-package-format-1.0.txt +++ b/specs/source-package-format-1.0.txt @@ -33,13 +33,26 @@ into an operating system. Rationale ========= -This source package format is modeled after the package format of the OpenBricks -Embedded Linux Framework. However, this format more natively supports the -building of multiple binary packages from one source package. Additionally, -source packages in this format are intended to be maintained independently (like -Debian packages are) rather than in one monolithic software repository (such as -that of OpenBricks). In this and other respects, this format draws inspiration -from Debian's source package formats. +This source package format is functionally similar to Debian's source package +formats. It differs from them most noticeably in that: + + * All source and binary package metadata is kept outside of the upstream + source directory structure, + * Each binary package has its metadata and scripts organized in its own + directory, + * Certain control file fields are omitted, and + * Packages may be configured at build time or at run time for hardware and + application platforms. + +Overall, this format is designed to be conducive to building packages for a +highly flexible embedded operating system. Additionally, source packages in +this format are intended to be maintained independently (like packages in Debian +and most other GNU/Linux distributions are) rather than in one monolithic +software repository (as is the case with most embedded operating system +distributions). + +It may not be the most efficient or maintainer-friendly format, but this is an +innovative first step and may be improved over time. Directory Structure -- cgit v0.9.1