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

[Charlie Smotherman <cjsmo@cableone.net>]

On Thu, 2010-08-05 at 10:48 +1000, Ben Finney wrote:
> 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 :-)

Ben, 

Thanks for you insight, I found it informative and educational.

Charlie