Do we have a plan to create a package (or
two) for Modeling?
From: eclipse.org-committers-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:eclipse.org-committers-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ian Skerrett
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2008
11:52 AM
To:
eclipse.org-committers@xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [eclipse.org-committers]
Creating Eclipse Packages
Dear Eclipse Committers
We would like to encourage more participation in the creation
of the packages created by the Eclipse Packaging
Project. The goal is to 1) encourage more
cross-project testing of the existing four packages, and 2) encourage the
creation of packages in addition to the existing four that were created last
year. A framework for doing this was discussed at a recent Planning
Council meeting and this document is to provide addition details.
- Creation of a Package
To create a package a project leader or committer must agree
to be a package maintainer. The package maintainer is responsible for
defining the contents of the package and arrange for testing of the package.
To define a package the package maintainer will need to
specify the package contents based on the EPP package
configuration file format. The package maintainer will need to
store this file in their cvs repository and then inform the EPP team, via a
bugzilla entry, the location of the file. The EPP team will then
begin to automatically build the package based on the config file.
- What can be included in a
Package?
·
Packages must only contain code from
Eclipse projects
·
Packages should usually only contain
code from projects that have passed their 1.0 creation review, and if
exceptions are found, the code must still have passed an Eclipse Release
Review.
·
Packages should attempt to include
code from a variety of projects, while maintaining a coherent theme to the
package, balanced with download and install size, fitting with the desires and
suggestions of the community.
- Testing of a Package
The package maintainer is responsible for testing the
package. The package maintainer should arrange for a number of
committers and community members to act as testers. The type and degree
of testing may vary but is expected to at least confirm that all the projects
basically work together with no immediate problems introduced by being packaged
together. In all cases the type of testing and test cases should be
documented. EPP will define a process for each package maintainer to
identify that the package has been tested, the type of testing and that the
package is ready for download.
- Publishing of Packages
A new web site will be created to publish the different
packages. This new web site will be directly accessible from the
download page. The packaging page will show all the available packages
and use social networking techniques to influence the order and display of the
packages. For instance, the number of time a package is download will be
visible, the names of the project maintainers and testers will be associated
with the project or maybe individuals can vote/recommend a package. The
Eclipse Foundation will also continue to list 4-5 packages directly on the
download page.
How to Get Started?
If you would like to create a package, we ask that you open
a bugzilla request for EPP, using the ‘package content’ component.
In the bugzilla bug, please specify a description of the package
you would like to create, including the intended targeted user and the feature
set of the package. You will then need to create a package configuration file
together with the EPP team and then specify the location of the file.
You will then need to create an package configuration file and then
specify the location of the file. Please add this location to the
bugzilla request. EPP builds the packages on a nightly basis, so once
your package is defined, we will start building it.
EPP is also releasing packages for each milestone and
release candidate for Ganymede. If you would like your package to be
built for M5, we ask that you please have it defined before February 11.
We are just starting this process so your feedback and
support is welcome. It will take sometime to make it perfect but
the intention is to have a number of packages available in time for the
Ganymede release.
Thanks for your support,
Ian Skerrett
Director of Marketing
Eclipse Foundation
613-224-9461 ext. 227
blog: ianskerrett.wordpress.com