#--------------------------# # MegaDistro - README file # #--------------------------# INTRODUCTION: MegaDistro, is a system by which a list of perl modules can be built, into the form a binary package (rpm or deb). REQUIREMENTS: CPANPLUS-0.0562 or greater *must be configured* Module-CoreList-2.02 or greater ExtUtils-MakeMaker-6.17 or greater Archive::Tar File::Spec USAGE: The usage of the system is briefly described as follows. The perl MegaDistro system is used to create packages of perl modules, simply by reading a list. For example, all that is required, is that you simply write a list of modules, (See modules.list), or (t/test.list - in the src directory), for an example of this. Hence, the first thing that you must do, is create the module list. - The default location of the module list is: ~/.megadistro/modules.list (Note: you may create and use a list with another name, or, in another location, however, you must specify this, upon execution of the program, see below). However, you must note the following things: o) Module dependencies, by default, will not settled automatically. Therefore, to ensure that all prerequesites for a given module, are installed into the package [to be created], you must specify them in the list (currently, order is irrelevant). o) Modules that have _external_ dependencies, that is, modules which require some sort of external package or program to be installed, or require something to be installed in a particular location, - are not currently supported. (e.g. DBD::mysql, GD, Net::SSLeay) Other than the aforementioned items, the system should, ideally, be a breeze. In that, turning your "wish-list" of modules into a binary package, should be, no more difficult that simply running the 'megadistro' script, and specifying information, if/as necessary. ;) Once you've created your module list, you are ready to run it through the system. (Note: If you are using a module list other than the default [module.list], you must specify this, by using the --modlist=LIST override, where LIST is the /path/to/your/module.list file). The following are examples of how to run the system: You may run the system without any options (provided you do not want to override any of the defaults), To run by default: megadistro * This method is fine, it will simply ask you which package type you would like to generate :) Otherwise, to explicitly specify which type you would like, you may use any of the following: To generate a rpm: megadistro -t rpm To generate a deb: megadistro -t deb To generate a tarball: megadistro --build-only If you didn't use the default list file [location]: megadistro --modlist=/new/location/to/my_modules.list *** For more information regarding command-line options, either run: megadistro --help or check the documentation: perldoc megadistro If everything went well, and a package was created, it will be located in: ~/.megadistro BUGS: If you notice any strange behavior, such as something noticably just doesn't work right, or the system blatantly explodes, so to speak - please report them - thanks. More information can be found in the MegaDistro documentation - and remember, this is only experimental, so far. :) See: perldoc megadistro