Ste Packaging

Many people are under the mistaken belief that I personally write all of the applications I host. They also think I create the themes and tweaks and dictionaries and so on, that you can find in my repository. I don’t. If I did, I’d be some super programmer and graphic artist and would most likely be employed right now. This mis-perception is quite understandable though, as my name and contact info was on every single package in my repository. That’s because earlier versions of Installer.app only allowed one person’s contact info on an application and if you didn’t specify it, it defaulted to the contact info for the repository. Starting with Installer.app 3.0, I can have two sets of contact info per package, so I have started adding the contact info for the people who actually make these things, so that they get the credit they deserve (not to mention all the emailed help requests).

So, just what is it that I actually do? Pretty much everything except write/create them:

• I make sure the package is zipped up correctly (files distributed in the right directories; highest compression level used)
• I make sure file permissions are correct
• I make sure files are installed in the correct place, following established standards
• I remove extra, unnecessary files
• I make sure the developer has used a proper package identifier
• I write each package’s plist file, so that it installs/updates/uninstalls correctly
• I generate an MD5 checksum on every package, so you know it hasn’t been tampered with
• I test new apps for proper basic functionality
• I provide the developer feedback on bugs I encounter
• I provide the developer with enhancement/feature suggestions
• I pass along community feedback to the developer
• I try to keep my cats off of the keyboard
• I run this blog
• I run the main repository site
• I run the mirrored servers you download the packages from
• I gather and process logs
• I answer emailed help requests
• I answer help requests in IRC
• I help others to set up their own repositories
• I help other repository maintainers solve their package install/update/uninstall issues
• I act as an unofficial helpdesk for Nullriver’s Installer.app, since they seemingly can’t be bothered to support it
• I write HOW-TOs
• I pay to provide these packages to you
• I try to find a way to recoup my expenses and make a living off of this (or to at least supplement it)

I’m sure there’s more, but I can’t think of it, off the top of my head. I couldn’t do any of this though, if it weren’t for all the talented people who create the stuff I make available to you. My hat’s off to them. :)

-ste