Here are the latest set of changes to the Fedora Packaging Guidelines:
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A new page has been added which describes how to deal with bundled libraries when you find them in your package:
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging/Treatment_Of_Bundled_Libraries
--- Some clarification has been added to the sections dealing with bundled libraries, specifically that:
In this RPM packaging context, the definition of the term 'library' includes: compiled third party source code resulting in shared or static linkable files, interpreted third party source code such as Python, PHP and others. At this time JavaScript intended to be served to a web browser is specifically exempted from this but this will likely change in the future.
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging:Guidelines#Duplication_of_system_li...
Also, a note was added to make it clear that multiple licensing scenarios may be a good indicator of a bundled library situation:
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging:LicensingGuidelines#Multiple_Licens...
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A section has been added to the Packaging:Guidelines#Changelog entry describing the acceptable methods of having multiple changelog entries per release:
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging:Guidelines#Multiple_Changelog_Entri...
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A new example of a reason an exception for bundling libraries might be granted has been added to the guidelines. If the library is being bundled because it is a snapshot of a newer release of the library needed for new features, you may have grounds for an exception. See the complete policy for details on when an exception might be granted for this reasoning.
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging:No_Bundled_Libraries#Needing_unrele...
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Fedora has always implied that the update path from Fedora release to Fedora release and from Fedora release to updates should be maintained but there wasn't an explicit statement in the Guidelines. Well, there is now.
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging:NamingGuidelines#Package_Versioning
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The guidelines have been updated to indicate that %doc files must not have executable permissions.
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging:Guidelines#Documentation
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The section on Requiring Base Package was clarified, as the original language involving -libs packages may have been confusing:
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging:Guidelines#Requiring_Base_Package
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These guidelines (and changes) were approved by the Fedora Packaging Committee (FPC).
Many thanks to Steven Garcia, Nils Philippsen, FESCo and all of the members of the FPC, for assisting in drafting, refining, and passing these guidelines.
As a reminder: The Fedora Packaging Guidelines are living documents! If you find something missing, incorrect, or in need of revision, you can suggest a draft change. The procedure for this is documented here: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Packaging/Committee#GuidelineChangeProcedure
Thanks,
~spot
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