Managing configuration files

[Mark Shuttleworth <marks@thawte.com>]

Hi all,

Some quick questions about the management of configuration files
under debian.

  1. Debian keeps track of files in debian.conffiles, and knows if
     they have been modified.  As a developer, how do I ask it if
     a file has been modified?

  2. What is the best strategy for managing config file upgrades.
     For example, I maintain the Apache package which I'm using to
     learn package design.  I install the conf files in 
     /etc/httpd/<files> by placing them in debian-tmo/etc/httpd/.
     Are these automatically copied over existing files when the
     upgrade occurs?  Should I back up existing files in
     debian.preinst?  Should I put the files temporarily in /tmp
     and then selectively move them into /etc/httpd/ if they
     are needed?

I'm struggling to follow exactly how the rollover process happens,
so any ideas are greatly appreciated ;-)

Thanks,
Mark

--
Mark Shuttleworth
Thawte Consulting cc.