This software tool converts a Ruby gem into an RPM spec file, facilitating the packaging and distribution of Ruby applications.
Gem to RPM Converter is a software tool that can create an RPM Spec file from a Ruby gem. This project uses the gem metadata to complete most of the information required for building an RPM containing the gem. The tool is easy to use, simply run 'gem2rpm --help' for options. At its simplest, download the gem and run 'gem2rpm $GEM', and a printout of the RPM Spec file based on the information contained in the gem's Spec file will be generated.
However, there may be instances where the generated Spec file requires editing. This is primarily due to the gem missing important information, such as the license and changelog, which are required for RPMs. In such cases, it is better to edit the template used for the Spec file generation, rather than the generated Spec file itself. This makes updating the RPM when a new version of the Gem becomes available much easier.
To support this process, it is advisable to first save the default Spec file template using the command: 'gem2rpm -T > rubygem-GEM.spec.template'. The saved template can then be edited as required, and the updated template can be used to generate the Spec file using 'gem2rpm -t rubygem-GEM.spec.template > rubygem-GEM.spec'. Once the updated Spec file is generated, building the RPM follows the same process as usual.
It is also recommended to follow certain conventions while creating RPMs for gems. A typical source RPM for a gem should include three files: the Gem file, the Spec file template, and the Spec file. To ensure that the template is included in the source RPM, it must be listed as one of the sources in the Spec file. Lastly, the resulting RPM should follow the naming convention 'rubygem-$GEM' where GEM is the name of the packaged gem. The default template also ensures that the resulting package provides 'ruby($GEM)', according to general packaging conventions for scripting languages.
In conclusion, the Gem to RPM Converter is an excellent tool to create RPM Spec files from Ruby gems. The tool is easy to use and can save a lot of time and effort in a development environment. It is highly recommended for developers who frequently work with gems and need to create RPMs from them.
However, there may be instances where the generated Spec file requires editing. This is primarily due to the gem missing important information, such as the license and changelog, which are required for RPMs. In such cases, it is better to edit the template used for the Spec file generation, rather than the generated Spec file itself. This makes updating the RPM when a new version of the Gem becomes available much easier.
To support this process, it is advisable to first save the default Spec file template using the command: 'gem2rpm -T > rubygem-GEM.spec.template'. The saved template can then be edited as required, and the updated template can be used to generate the Spec file using 'gem2rpm -t rubygem-GEM.spec.template > rubygem-GEM.spec'. Once the updated Spec file is generated, building the RPM follows the same process as usual.
It is also recommended to follow certain conventions while creating RPMs for gems. A typical source RPM for a gem should include three files: the Gem file, the Spec file template, and the Spec file. To ensure that the template is included in the source RPM, it must be listed as one of the sources in the Spec file. Lastly, the resulting RPM should follow the naming convention 'rubygem-$GEM' where GEM is the name of the packaged gem. The default template also ensures that the resulting package provides 'ruby($GEM)', according to general packaging conventions for scripting languages.
In conclusion, the Gem to RPM Converter is an excellent tool to create RPM Spec files from Ruby gems. The tool is easy to use and can save a lot of time and effort in a development environment. It is highly recommended for developers who frequently work with gems and need to create RPMs from them.
What's New
Version 0.6.0: N/A