[ros-dev] Packaging ros' files

[Mark IJbema]

On Mon, Oct 25, 2004 at 12:09:31AM +0200, Sebastian Schmidt wrote:
> Moin!
> 
> What do you think about a package system for reactos' files? We could
> create seperate packages for, e.g. ntoskrnl, explorer,
> drivers-networking, drivers-video, etc. pp., so it would be more easy
> for users to upgrade. (ros-get update and ros-get upgrade or so)

There has already been some discussion on this, point is, it isn't as
easy as it seems. Basing it on apt-get, portage and msi has been
suggested.

> I'd like to implement this, but I still have some open questions:
> - What about overwriting files which are currently "in use"? Is it
>   possible to overwrite them w/o rebooting?

It is possible, but it could break compatibility for kernel components
iirc.

> - We need a mechanism for postinst scripts, which update registry values
>   and so on. cmd.exe scripts are ugly, as VBScript is. bash on
>   windows/reactos is IMHO also not the best way. Maybe the package
>   installation system (the dpkg/rpm equivalent) could parse a special
>   script file with the syntax like NetInstall Script. What to you think?

how about msi?

Also, i think it's very important to do some analysis on what we need
first and summarize what it should do exactly. I made a start here:

http://129.125.140.135/~mark/ros_distro.pdf

But never got very far. If you want to continue on it i can send you the
latex file.

At least i think going coding straight away might be a very bad plan...

Mark