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# MegaDistro - README file #
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INTRODUCTION: MegaDistro, is a system by which a list of perl modules can be built,

into the form a binary package (rpm or deb).

REQUIREMENTS: CPANPLUS-0.0562 or greater must be configured

              Module-CoreList-2.02 or greater
              ExtUtils-MakeMaker-6.17 or greater
              Archive::Tar
              File::Spec

USAGE: The usage of the system is briefly described as follows.

The perl MegaDistro system is used to create packages of perl modules, simply by reading a list.

For example, all that is required, is that you simply write a list of modules, (See modules.list), or (t/test.list - in the src directory), for an example of this.

Hence, the first thing that you must do, is create the module list.

• The default location of the module list is: ~/.megadistro/modules.list (Note: you may create and use a list with another name, or, in another location,

  however, you must specify this, upon execution of the program, see below).

However, you must note the following things:

       o) Module dependencies, by default, will not settled automatically.
            Therefore, to ensure that all prerequesites for a given module, 
            are installed into the package [to be created], you must specify
            them in the list (currently, order is irrelevant).

       o) Modules that have external dependencies, that is,
          modules which require some sort of external package or program to be installed,
          or require something to be installed in a particular location,
           - are not currently supported.
            (e.g. DBD::mysql, GD, Net::SSLeay)

Other than the aforementioned items, the system should, ideally, be a breeze. In that, turning your "wish-list" of modules into a binary package, should be, no more difficult that simply running the 'megadistro' script, and specifying information, if/as necessary. ;)

Once you've created your module list, you are ready to run it through the system. (Note: If you are using a module list other than the default [module.list],

         you must specify this, by using the --modlist=LIST override,
           where LIST is the /path/to/your/module.list file).

The following are examples of how to run the system:

You may run the system without any options (provided you do not want to override any of the defaults),

    To run by default:         megadistro
        * This method is fine, it will simply ask you which package type you would like to generate :)

Otherwise, to explicitly specify which type you would like, you may use any of the following:

To generate a rpm: megadistro -t rpm

To generate a deb: megadistro -t deb

To generate a tarball: megadistro --build-only

If you didn't use the default list file [location]:

megadistro --modlist=/new/location/to/my_modules.list

*** For more information regarding command-line options,

        either run: megadistro --help
        or check the documentation: perldoc megadistro

If everything went well, and a package was created, it will be located in: ~/.megadistro

BUGS: If you notice any strange behavior, such as something noticably just doesn't work right,

or the system blatantly explodes, so to speak - please report them - thanks.

More information can be found in the MegaDistro documentation - and remember, this is only experimental, so far. :)

See: perldoc megadistro