[Pkg-bitcoin-devel] bfgminer package

[Scott Howard]

On Sat, Apr 27, 2013 at 1:06 PM, Luke-Jr <luke at dashjr.org> wrote:
> "unit3" has already contributed a debian/ directory which he uses to maintain
> the Ubuntu PPAs. I think it just produces a single .deb, but maybe it can be
> split up. What else would be involved in packaging/maintaining them for
> Debian?

Perhaps unit3 would be interested in maintaining the package in
Debian. It's generally best if upstream is involved in packaging, if
they have time and interest, to close the loop between Debian users
and upstream developers.

The Debian maintainer keeps the package up to date to the current
version and responds to bugs filed against the package. Uploads of new
versions will need the help of a sponsor, at first, but over time
maintainers can get upload access to the repository so they can
directly upload. My bandwidth is limited, so I can help sponsor but
can't commit to maintaining bfgminer long-term at this time.

We've set up a team (this mailing list) so that we can collaboratively
respond to bugs, fix packages, and find sponsors more easily. However,
individuals are still designated as the primary point of contact for
some packages and are listed as "uploaders" in the packaging system.

To get bfgminer into debian, someone has to prepare the package (like
unit3 did for the ubuntu PPA). The package must follow Debian policy
[1] strictly and undergo a complete licensing review by the packager
and the sponsor to ensure Debian is allowed to distribute the package
and it follows the Debian Free Software Guidelines [2] (bfgminer looks
like it's good, but we'll have to properly document it in
debian/copyright). There are tools to help share your work while it is
getting packaged [e.g. 3]

Thanks for your work with bitcoin!
Regards,
Scott

[1] http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/
[2] http://www.debian.org/social_contract
[3] http://mentors.debian.net/