Software Package Builder 6.0 User's Guide, September 2009

Containment vs. Reference
There are two types of relationships that exist within the hierarchical structure of a software
package: containment and reference. If a software element acts as a container, then the software
elements it is comprised of are physically contained. If a software element acts as a reference,
then the software elements it is comprised of are virtually contained.
The difference between a containment relationship and a reference relationship can be illustrated
by the notion that a bundle can be removed without actually removing the software elements
that it references. However, removing a product always removes the filesets it contains, and the
files contained in the filesets.
Table 2-1 provides a summary of a software package's structural elements, their functions, and
their relationship to other elements. The structural elements are numbered to correspond with
Figure 2-2 (page 20):
Table 2-1 Structural Elements: Functions and Relationships
RelationshipFunctionStructural Element
The installed software is a valid and complete
software package.
A delivered and installed software
package.
Installed Software (1)
A product is a container for filesets,
subproducts, and optionally, control scripts.
A collection of related filesets and
optionally, subproducts and control
scripts.
Product (2)
A bundle is a reference for groups of filesets,
subproducts, or products.
A collection of related filesets,
subproducts, and/or products.
Bundle (3)
A fileset is a container for files and control
scripts. Filesets are contained in products.
A grouping of related files and control
scripts.
Fileset (4)
A subproduct is a reference for groups of
related filesets within a single product.
A grouping of related filesets.Subproduct (5)
Control files (scripts) are contained in one or
more filesets and/or products.
A control file performs checks and other
tasks in the software package.
Control File (6)
Files are contained in one or more filesets.Files serve as the building blocks for a
software package.
File (7)
Software Package Structure 21