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Jordan Hubbard On Next-Generation Packaging

Posted by pudge on from the packages-already-and-it-is-not-yet-Easter dept.

GlobalEcho writes: "Developers associated with Darwin are beginning to think about package management and source building. At issue is whether something like dpkg, RPM or *BSD's ports could suffice, or whether they are all just way too mid-90's. Jordan Hubbard himself (now of Apple) weighed in with his opinions (user and passwd 'archives'). Apparently he thinks it is time for something more advanced, and he gives some ideas about what that might look like. Does anyone else have good ideas?"

3 of 65 comments (clear)

  1. The Arusha Project by hoggy · · Score: 4, Informative
    Just to trump a project I'm involved in, The Arusha Project has some similar ideas to Jordan.

    We use a simple XML file-based (i.e., you can edit everything with vi) object-oriented database. The project isn't just about package management, but we implemented a full multi-platform build-from-source-and-install-sitewide package management tool. It also handles dependencies etc.

  2. Fink already does much of what Jordan suggests by voisine · · Score: 5, Informative

    Check out the fink project

    http://fink.sourceforge.net/

    600+ OS X ports so far, automatic updates,
    database indexing, built on top of dpkg.

  3. Re:Is dpkg THAT bad? by moof1138 · · Score: 4, Informative

    dpkg is nice, and I have not found it to be as dangerous or as buggy as you, though I have not delved deep in the details. I have been running Debian testing and so far have never managed to do anything awful to it (though maybe I can just count myself lucky). Design aside, it has a fatal flaw which is the licensing. Since it is GPL, Apple has to be cautious about it. While personally I doubt that there really is an issue with infecting the whole system, since NeXT and Apple have both suffered the wrath of the FSF's attacks (FSF sued Next over not releaing ObjC changes to gcc, and Stallmans rants about porting GNU software to A/UX seemed downright hostile) I can see why their lawyers are cautious. Plus Apple has a lot of IP on the line that they really do need to protect, since they could get sued by their shareholders, even if legal did not balk.

    BTW - You can actually use dpkg already with Mac OS X by installing fink though it is an external project. It works well, has a fair number of packages. I use it and highly recommend it.

    --

    Hyperbole is the worst thing ever.