Bug#222779: debian-policy: [PROPOSAL] deb specifications and signed debs extension

[dalhagen@tele-net.net]

On Wed, Dec 03, 2003 at 06:16:13AM +0100, Goswin Brederlow wrote:
> Package: debian-policy
> Version: 3.6.1.0
> Severity: normal
> 
> Hi,
> 
> there seems to be no conclusive specification on the format of a deb
> package anywhere. The only information is in "man deb" and thats
> rather unspecific just saying its an ar archive (ar archive can have a
> number of slightly different formats).
> 
> I would like to add a section to the debian-policy and/or the
> developers-reference detailing the format of a deb in details and lay
> out a policy for debs signed with debsigs.

While here, I'd like to remind that, a few years ago we were discussing
pros and cons of including license files verbatim in deb file. I had
suggested the possibility of sticking a 'licenses.tar.gz' in, for the
odd case that someone unpacked the deb outside of a Debian system. I
don't recall if the discussion was ever resolved.. figured this would be
an appropriate time to mention it, while talking about the deb format
and components.

-- Beata