How to contribute to OpenCSW?

There are many ways in which you can contribute to OpenCSW. Subscribing to the users list, asking own questions and answering questions of others is already a contribution. We also have an active IRC channel, where you can talk to project members and other users.

There are more things you can do, with different levels of involvement:

Request and test packages

Is there a package you care about?

  1. Request an upgrade (in the bugtracker or on IRC)
  2. A maintainer will let you know that the new version of the packages is avilable from the experimental area
  3. Test the package in your environment, and provide feedback
  4. If there are any corrections to be made, you’ll get a new set of packages
  5. Rinse, and repeat
  6. When you’re happy, let the maintainer know and the new packages will be released

Making small changes to package build descriptions

There can be a small change that you would like to see. For example, an update to the README file, or additional compilation option, or a better default configuration template. In such case, you can check out the build description in our subversion repository, make changes to it, and send us a patch. The package maintainers will review the patch, and apply it to the repository.  If the patch needs improvements, maintainers will provide feedback on how to do it.

Building packages at own location

We provide a metapackage which pulls in package development tools. For more detail, see the section below. Setting up the build environment for the first time can be challenging, so feel free to drop by on our IRC channel and ask for help.

Becoming a maintainer

If you feel like becoming more involved with the project, consider becoming a package maintainer. We have a maintainer signup page, which outlines the process.

Get started with building Solaris packages

See the packaging tutorial!

When using our build system, GAR, building packages is easy. See the GAR setup page. You’ll need a Solaris host. If you don’t currently have a Solaris host at hand, we recommend installing VirtualBox, downloading a Solaris ISO from Oracle and starting your own small build host.

If you’d prefer not to, or can’t, build packages on your own systems, you can request a maintainer account on the buildfarm.