Packer

Packer is a software tool that helps simplify the creation of packages, which can be a great convenience for software users, whether they are experienced gurus or new to using software applications. When software isn't packaged, it can discourage users from using it. Unfortunately, packaging software can be a huge pain for GNU/Linux developers due to the wide variety of packaging formats. But, with Packer, this process can be automated.

Using a text-based wizard, Packer can collect all the necessary information regarding a program needed to create a package. This includes creating a debian directory, RPM SPEC files for Mandriva, SuSE, and Fedora/Red Hat, and autopackage spec files. These files are of similar quality to those created by hand.

Packer can also automatically build the packages if requested. To use this tool, simply run Packer with no options, and the wizard will start. From there, it will collect all the necessary information based on your answers to its questions, and populate the Packer directory. It's always possible to relaunch the wizard to make modifications to the package, in case there were problems with the information that was originally entered or if a new version of the program being packaged is released.

Alternatively, you can run Packer with options to create binary and source packages from the information in the Packer directory. Simply call packer -h to find out which options are available. In the latest release, the dependency on dynamic content on packages.debian.org has been removed, meaning that it now works again.