PAR::Dist

PAR::Dist is a Perl module that allows users to create and manipulate PAR distributions. These are specific PAR files that contain everything under blib/ of CPAN distributions following their make or Build stage, a META.yml file that outlines metadata of the original CPAN distribution, and a MANIFEST that details all the files within it. Digitally signed PAR distributions will also comprise a SIGNATURE file.

To use this module, you can enter the following shell command:
% perl -MPAR::Dist -eblib_to_par

Alternatively, you can incorporate it into your programs with ease. Here are some examples of commands you can use:

my $dist = blib_to_par(); # create a PAR file using ./blib/
install_par($dist); # install the file into the system
uninstall_par($dist); # uninstall the file from the system
sign_par($dist); # sign it using Module::Signature
verify_par($dist); # verify it using Module::Signature
install_par(""); # this also works and will auto-append archname + perlver
install_par("cpan://SMUELLER/PAR-Packer-0.975"); #uses CPAN author directory

The naming convention for these distributions is:
$NAME-$VERSION-$ARCH-$PERL_VERSION.par.

For instance, "PAR-Dist-0.01-i386-freebsd-5.8.0.par" signifies the 0.01 release of PAR-Dist on CPAN, constructed for Perl 5.8.0 running on i386-freebsd.

Overall, this module offers an effective solution for the creation and manipulation of PAR distributions, simplifying the process for users.