From: Matt Licholai <m.s.licholai@...>
Date: 2000-12-18T12:45:02+09:00
Subject: [ruby-talk:7532] Re: Ruby RAA

Here are what I feel the Debian packaging system can do rather well (from
the end user perspective):

    Standardized file/directory location
    Dependency checking
    Automated install scripts (set needed environment variables, etc.)
    Preservation of configuration files (were applicable)
    Rollback/removal options
    Short description of package contents and functionality
    Indication of stability/maturity of the package (i.e. stable,
unstable)
    Ability to download from centralized repositories (using apt)

I'm sure other will find other points that I have overlooked, but the
above represent things that make the system more productive than other
packaging options.  I have not yet created any Debian packages, so I feel
unqualified to discuss their packaging tools.

    Thanks,
    Matt

Dave Thomas wrote:

> Matt Licholai <m.s.licholai@ieee.org> writes:
>
> > I second the idea that Debian is an outstanding model to follow for
> > a packaging system.
>
> Could someone post a short summary of what makes Debian good?
>
> Thanks
>
> Dave