Software Package Builder 5.0 User's Guide

Product Specification File
A product specification file (PSF) defines the structure of a software package. The PSF provides
a "road map" that identifies the software package according to its attributes, contents,
compatibilities, and dependencies. SPB has a GUI that allows you to structure your PSF and
define the attributes that apply to it.
The PSF maps files in your source file system area to create the destination filesystem on a
customer's system. In addition, the PSF can direct the appropriate installation for the customer
by filtering on operating system (OS) and/or machine type attributes that are defined in the PSF.
PSF Requirements and Recommendations
It is required that the PSF contain the following:
• One or more products
• One or more filesets and files for each product
It is recommended that the PSF contain the following:
• Vendor information for individual or groups of products
• The computer(s) and operating system(s) the software product supports
• A description attribute for all software elements contained in the PSF
Attributes
Attributes define 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 revision of the product is installed;
• What architecture the product supports;
• Who developed the product; and
• What operating system(s) support the product.
Each of the software element classes has its own set of attributes, and each attribute has a value
that defines it. Most attributes are optional; however, there are a few required attributes. Assigning
valid attributes to software elements provides more control and precision when the software
package is installed, updated, and removed. The table below provides a list of attributes that are
required for a valid PSF.
Table 2-2 Required Attribute Values
Required AttributeSoftware Element
tagProduct
tagFileset
tag, contentsSubproduct
tag, contentsBundle
tagVendor
tagCategory
Additional attributes are recommended for creating a more detailed software package. If you
use one of the software elements listed in Table 2-3, it is highly recommended to set the following
attributes:
20 Software Packaging