Packaging Applications in SD-UX Format Using Software Package Builder

packaging applications in software distributor format using software package builder
The PSF is a master file that is created for a given software package to define its structure, describe
its characteristics, and map its files from the source filesystem to the destination filesystem. SD-UX
packaging operations are based on the attribute values set in the PSF. The PSF contains attribute
information for all the software elements contained in the package and must adhere to a strict,
hierarchical structure and set of packaging policy rules.
SPB fits into this process by assisting with the creation and validation of a PSF that the swpackage
command uses to create the software package. The structure of a software package and its
software elements are largely abstract and the packaging policy rules that the software package
must adhere to can be very complex. SPB helps simplify the process of creating a software
package by providing a visual method for creating the PSF, its software elements, attributes, and
structure, as well as automatically validating the PSF against packaging policy rules.
product specification file
The product specification file (PSF) maps files in the source filesystem area to create the destination
filesystem on a customer's system. In addition, the PSF can direct an appropriate installation at
install time when dependency attributes are defined in the PSF.
A PSF defines the structure of a software package by acting as a "road map" to identify the
software package according to its attributes, contents, compatibilities, and dependencies. The
Software Package Builder (SPB) GUI allows you to structure your PSF and define the attributes that
apply to it.
By defining attributes within the PSF, you are defining the characteristics of the software elements in
the software package. For example, the attributes defined for a software package can identify
some of the following metadata:
• where the product is installed;
• what architecture the product supports;
• what revision of the product is installed;
• who developed the product; and
• what operating system(s) support the product?
benefits of using the SD-UX format
You can only take advantage of the SD-UX management toolset if software is packaged in SD-UX
format. Using SD-UX provides many software management advantages:
• Inventory – Use the swlist command to retrieve an inventory list of your software.
• Revision Management – Use the SD-UX commands swlist, swinstall, and swremove
to manage revisions.
• Installation – Use swinstall to install the software package on numerous systems.
• Install-Time Customizations – Customize installations based on attributes set in the PSF such
as architecture, machine_type, os_release, etc.
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