My Life as a Debian Developer
Hubert Chathi
KWLUG — August 13, 2018
In 3 Days, Debian turns 25 years old
(7 more years until a nice round number)
Debian was founded by Ian Murdock on August 16, 1993, and is one of the oldest
Linux distributions
A bit about me
- started programming when I was about 10 years old on a TI-99 4A
- first encountered Linux in the early 90s
- started using Linux full-time in University, starting with Mandrake
- switched to Debian at the recommendation of an acquaintance in Uni
- liked it so much, I started packaging in 2003, and became a Debian Developer
(DD) on October 16, 2006
Debian principles and initiatives
Some of the things that make Debian Debian
Debian Policy Manual - a.k.a. "Policy"
https://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/
- gives details on how to package software for Debian
- ensures that packages work well together
- there are also language-specific policies, e.g. Python, JavaScript
Portability
- Debian officially supports 10 architectures
- support for ~8 others is being worked on, including two non-Linux kernels:
GNU Hurd and FreeBSD
Quality
quality checking tools and initiatives:
- lintian
- archive rebuilds
- ports
- piuparts
- reproducible builds
- autopkgtest
- tracker.debian.org
- pbuilder, sbuild, etc
- source-only uploads
What does a Debian Developer do?
- maintain packages
- maintaining is more than just packaging
- update software (and make sure upgrades are smooth)
- communicate with upstream
- handle bug reports
- make sure it follows policy
- work with other developers (e.g. packaging teams, library transitions)
Package lifecycle:
- RFP (maybe)
- ITP (if necessary)
- initial packaging
- upload
- NEW queue (waiting)
- package updates
- migration to testing
- testing freeze
- stable release
- votes in GRs
- elect Debian Project Leader (DPL)
- issue/supersede/withdraw nontechnical policy documents and statements
- override decisions made by DPL/delegate or Technical Committee
- etc.
- Debian uses the Condorcet method for voting
How to contribute to Debian
Is Debian still relevant?
- How does it compare with different distros?
- Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, etc.
Questions?
or: IAmA DD AMA
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My Life as a Debian DeveloperHubert Chathihubert@uhoreg.caKWLUG — August 13, 2018