Debian Workout

From WorkOutWiki2009

Proposer

Kartik Mistry <kartik@debian.org>

Purpose

World domination by fixing Debian!

Abstract

When it comes to Debian, you will always visualize high quality packages that are always easy to install, upgrade and even remove. This is possible due to great care by Debian Developers and Contributors during packages. While trying to cover topics we didn't include in last year's workout (See: http://workouts.foss.in/2008/index.php/Debianize_your_work), our aim will be to fix as many as RC bugs, collaboration with other distribution (patches, images*, packaging style, how they are doing QA etc) and to have Debian package that can be upload at the end of workout.

Pre-requisites

Same as last year! I'm just doing copy/paste here..

1. Good understanding of GNU/Linux and some experience with software development on/for it.

Alternatively, a good understanding of Debian from a user's perspective combined with a desire to develop software on/for it (or a derived distro).

2. Ability to learn based on live interaction with others. A pencil and (paper!) notebook for keeping track of important steps will help!

3. Familiarity with and the ability to read scripting languages like Bash/Perl/Python/... and "make".

4. A machine, preferably one on which you have root access.

Or, a sufficiently fast machine on which you do not have root access may also suffice.

In both cases (4-4') you need to have access to enough disk storage to do development work 1-2GB+ (area required to work on your package). Perhaps we can look for sponsorship for (4-4'). We can use pretty thin clients here so even a netbook should do.

5. You should at least attempt to carry out the steps outlined in http://www.imsc.res.in/~kapil/lenny/not_screws_and_bolts.html or http://linuxgazette.net/156/kapil.html.

6. You should be familiar with the software which you want to package for Debian.