Debian checkinstall style functionality for pkg_create command?

[srf21c]

I've found the Debian checkinstall utility to be very heplful for creating quick and dirty packages from software that I have compiled from source.

I was curious if there was any way that I could use the pkg_create command in a similar manner, without having to go through all the ports rigamarole.

*YES* I have read the entire pkg_create man page, and found it to be rather obtuse to be honest.

[jggimi]

I've built and submitted ports which are now part of the tree, but have never touched pkg_create. Since ports build packages, I've always used the ports rigamarole.

To get started, either use /usr/ports/infrastructure/templates/Makefile.template, or a port in the tree with similar requirements. You'll find the porting and port testing web pages at the Project website helpful, too.

[robbak]

Yes, pkg_create is obtuse: it is meant to be used by varius package tools, not general users.

the easiest way to make a package of a port is to use 'make package'. This will call the pkg_create command with all the options it needs. For instance:

cd /usr/ports/www/firefox
make package

That will build (with whatever options you have selected), install and then make a package of the port. by default, the package will be placed in /usr/ports/packages

[jggimi]

Originally Posted by robbak

..That will build (with whatever options you have selected), install and then make a package...

Not quite. It will "make fake" which is a synthetic install in order to structure the PLIST. A "make package" will not install in the OS.