2008 Shishir Goel
&date;
pkgenpack 1
&package; PackageKit Pack Generator
`&package;` `--help` `--verbose` `--with-package-list` `--output` `--package` `--updates`

## Description

This manual page documents briefly the `&package;` command.

`&package;` is the command line client for PackageKit for creating service packs.

## What is a Service Pack?

A service pack is a tarball which contains a set of packages and their dependencies. The user can reduce the dependencies to be packed using the --with-package-list option. Along with the dependencies, a service pack has a file named metadata.conf which contains the information about the distribution and creation date of the pack.

## Creating a Service Pack?

A service pack is created using the command `pkgenpack`.

## Options

This program follows the usual &gnu; command line syntax, with long options starting with two dashes (`-'). A summary of options is included below.

`--help`

  Show summary of options.

`--verbose`

  Show extra debugging information.

`--with-package-list`

  Set the filename of dependencies to be excluded.

  Generally, the file list of packages is generated when doing a PackageKit refresh on the target system. If not specified, `pkgenpack` uses `/var/lib/PackageKit/system.package-list` by default.

`--output`

  The directory to put the pack file, or the current directory if omitted.

`--package`

  The package to be put into the ServicePack.

`--updates`

  Put all updates available in the ServicePack.

## Naming a Service Pack

The only valid extension for a service pack is ".servicepack".

## Examples

1. Tim is facing problems with his Internet connection at home. He needs a service pack with valgrind and it's dependencies for his system. He asks James to generate a pack for him. Both know James's system should contain similar packages as Tim's system, as both of them have installed Fedora 9 two days ago.

James simply runs:

    [james@jamesbook:~]$ pkgenpack --output=/media/USB/TimPacks --package=valgrind

This generates a file `/media/USB/TimPacks/valgrind-fedora-9-i686.servicepack` on the USB key Tim gave to James. Tim can now go home, insert the USB key and double clicks on the `valgrind-fedora-9-i686.servicepack` file to be prompted to install these packages.

2. Bill wants to create a service pack named `kdegames-fedora-9-i686.servicepack` for his new system which does not have an internet connection. He generates a list of packages on his system using `pkcon list-create` and copies that list to his USB key. He then gives that USB to Rishi who has a good internet connectivity. Rishi runs the following command on his system:

    [rishi@devils-temple:~]$ pkgenpack --with-package-list=/media/USB/bill.package-list \
                                       --output=/home/rishi/Desktop --program=kdegames

This generates a service pack, kdegames-fedora-9-i686.servicepack, on Rishi's Desktop, which can be distributed to Bill and users with similar requirements.

## Installing A Service Pack

Service Packs can be installed using pkcon. For example:

    [hacker@tim-lounge:~]$ pkcon install-local /media/USB/TimPacks/valgrind-fedora-9-i686.servicepack

## See Also

`pkmon` (1). `pkcon`(1).

## Author

This manual page was written by Shishir Goel crazyontheedge@gmail.com and Richard Hughes richard@hughsie.com.