Are binary packages required to be built from the corresponding source files? (was: RFH: How to compile swf files from source)

[Ben Finney <ben+debian@benfinney.id.au>]

Charlie Smotherman <cjsmo@cableone.net> writes:

> "ampache ships a swf file but does not build it from source."
>
> I am curious to know which part of Debian Policy states that this is
> required?  I have search but was unable to find anything.

I would interpret it as follows:

Policy §2.2.1 states “Every package in _main_ must comply with the DFSG
(Debian Free Software Guidelines).”

To comply with DFSG §2, the source package must include the binary
package's corresponding source code.

To comply with DFSG §3, the package must allow the recipient to make
modifications and build a package suitable for redistribution.

Policy §2.2.1 further states “In addition, the packages in _main_ […]
must not require a package outside of _main_ for compilation or
execution […]”.

Perhaps that could be interpreted in a way that permits the package
build process to ignore the recipient's changes to the source file and
continue to supply the pre-compiled binary, but that interpretation
seems like a perverse one.

If the package build process doesn't use the source, as modified by the
recipient, then it's disingenuous to claim that DFSG §3 is being met.
Perhaps the letter is followed, but I would maintain that its intent is
not.

Perhaps I misunderstand the intent, though. It's happened before :-)

-- 
 \       “Faith, n. Belief without evidence in what is told by one who |
  `\   speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel.” —Ambrose |
_o__)                           Bierce, _The Devil's Dictionary_, 1906 |
Ben Finney