Re: Bug#590162: maint-guide: encourage work on already packaged programs
tags 590162 patch
thanks
On Sun, Jul 25, 2010 at 12:23:52AM +0900, Osamu Aoki wrote [edited]:
> On Sat, Jul 24, 2010 at 01:01:30PM +0200, Serafeim Zanikolas wrote:
> > I believe this has been mentioned before on lists but I don't see it reflected
> > in the newmaint guide: new contributors should be highly encouraged to adopt
> > orphaned packages, instead of creating new ones.
>
> I am with you 100% !!!
So here's the proposed diff. It wasn't easy to fit in, since the patch
advocates something which isn't the original purpose of the guide.
I took the liberty to mention an alternative, debtags-aware view of WNPP bugs
(disclaimer: I run that site). I find it very relevant to the subject, but
you're welcome to drop the reference.
Cheers,
Serafeim
--- maint-guide.en.orig.txt 2010-07-28 19:47:03.000000000 +0200
+++ maint-guide.en.txt 2010-07-29 00:51:12.000000000 +0200
@@ -456,7 +456,7 @@
2. First steps
--------------
- Let's try to make your own package.
+ Let's try to make your own package (or, better even, adopt an existing one).
2.1. Choose your program
@@ -477,7 +477,17 @@
Then you should consult the Debian web site at Work-Needing and
Prospective Packages (http://www.debian.org/devel/wnpp/) and the
latest adoption/orphan status of the package
- (http://wnpp.debian.net/).
+ (http://wnpp.debian.net/). An alternative, debtags-aware, view of WNPP
+ bugs is at http://members.hellug.gr/serzan/wnpp/
+
+ As a side note, it's important to point out that Debian already has
+ packages for most kinds of programs, and relatively limited manpower.
+ Thus, contributions to packages already in the archive are far more
+ appreciated (and more likely to receive sponsorship) [1]. You can do that
+ in various ways: by taking over orphaned yet actively used packages;
+ joining packaging teams (see http://wiki.debian.org/Teams); triaging bugs
+ of very popular packages; and preparing QA or NMU uploads (see
+ http://www.debian.org/doc/developers-reference/pkgs.html#nmu-qa-upload)
If you are able to adopt the package, get the sources (with something
like "`apt-get source <packagename>'") and examine them. This
@@ -550,6 +560,9 @@
For more help about these, check in Debian Developer's Reference
(http://www.debian.org/doc/devel-manuals#devref).
+[1] Having said that, there will of course always be new programs that are
+ worthwhile packaging.
+
2.2. Get the program, and try it out
------------------------------------
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