Package Concepts
From Initq
Package systems are very important to a well balanced operating system. You can install everything from source but if there is no management system for these installs then it will be impossible for any type of upgrades.
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Packages
The most basic information that needs to be maintained is the software packages. This is the collection of all the files installed on your system.
Installed file Database
All package systems have a database backend that stores all the information about the installed, removed, upgraded packages.
Dependencies
Packages have dependencies which means it cannot be installed or removed if another package is also not installed or removed.
Checksums
Package system maintains a checksum of all files installed.
Upgrades and uninstallation
By tracking files and dependencies, package systems permit upgrading and removing of packages.
Binary package creation
Package systems provide tools for creating your own package for distribution.
