[Dev] Build Feathercoin FTC for all Linux Distros with Snap packages

wrapper

Snap packages are an alternate way to Deb packages to install software on Ubuntu distribution variants 16.04 and above. The Opensuse build service has generally been ahead of it’s time and FTC have stuck with that over Debs.

The “Snap” binary distribution would a interesting, relatively simple and sparse project someone could have on their CV and contribute to an open source project …

They are meant to be simple and include static builds which therefore include necessary libraries.

https://developer.ubuntu.com/en/snappy/build-apps/

https://developer.ubuntu.com/en/snappy/build-apps/your-first-snap/

http://www.howtogeek.com/252047/how-to-install-and-manage-snap-packages-on-ubuntu-16.04-lts/

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There are 2 other open source Package container systems,

Flatpak seems pretty cool and easy to implement, static build retains dependencies, used by some big open source projects. Is more distribution agnostic than snaps.

http://flatpak.org/#about

Appimage

http://appimage.org/

Wellenreiter

We can’t maintain/support all of these systems. It’s enough work to keep the Opensuse repository up to date.

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@Wellenreiter I’m noting developments FTC could do and would make an interesting project for someone, since these developments are simplifying technology that you don’t need super expertise to learn how to do it …

When I was working as PhD / Industrial supervisor at University, Lecturers were always asking for suitable projects, such as this, for students.

FTC members could also gain a browny/kudos points for their CVs, helping to maintain an open source project by supervising a release mechanism.

It could be part of a simple release procedure list for someone to create the Flatpack from the official Opensuse build source / release version of FTC …

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Snap packages have been updated with the release of 16.04. It we compile one static version in snaps with the dependencies it may be convenient for some users, particularly with new software on old systems.

There is a snap package store FTC should be in and there is a “official build” there, or at least member verified, for security reasons.

I would see the procedure to be FTC creates new release in Github, Test builds built, good release package build source then passed to the snap package admin to monitor from that point on.

https://developer.ubuntu.com/en/snappy/build-apps/upload-your-snap/

By co-incidents some Canonical developers are talking about snaps on

http://www.jupiterbroadcasting.com/100471/snaps-are-go-lup-149/

They are talking about it, about half way through, I also note they say you can mirror the code to launchpad and it will build the snap automatically, and once you have the config file built, than can be added to Github and easily tested by developers it builds for snaps after changes to code.

https://developer.ubuntu.com/en/publish/other-forms-of-submitting-apps/ppa/

Feathercoin is now registered on Launchpad, taking request for team members, but should largely be automated once set up.

https://launchpad.net/feathercoin

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Just hearing that snap packages are becoming available on the OpenSuse (FTCs) build service.

I still believe it would be worthwhile mirroring the build to the Launchpad service, so Debian based snaps are automatically created, this should make that even easier.