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isomorphismes
Asked: 2012-07-31 23:25:05 +0800 CST

How do I update something in the Ubuntu repository?

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All of my google results on this question are about just learning to use synaptic.

I've noticed that Ubuntu's TTYtter package is quite a ways behind. TTYtter is just one file (one perl script) so even a newb like myself could update the Ubuntu repository without any complications of patching folders or .tar.gz's or the like.

So I think I can, and I'd like to, fix TTYtter to the more recent version. But how do I go about that?

12.04

2 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    Initially do Read this Packaging/ SourceBuilds/ GettingStarted guide

    First Create a Launchpad account

    Then proceed to ttytter Packaging branch , then Select the Version of Ubuntu you want to Contribute to .

    Contact the “Ubuntu branches” team for Uploading your version to ttytter Packaging branch.

    Create your New source package recipe - Precise for Example

    NOTE : I am assuming they would allow you , otherwise as con-f-use in the above answer mentioned , create your own PPA , then Upload your package to PPA.

    other Useful Links

    How do I create a PPA?

    How do I create a PPA for a working program?

    Complete Ubuntu Packaging Wiki Guide

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  2. That is true with almost all applications in the Ubuntu repositories: They lag behind in their versions. The reason is that Canonical usually checks the packages for security and compatibility with Ubuntu. Also someone has to build the .deb package and upload it to the repository. That adds an extra step and slows things down but increases the quality and feel of Ubuntu.

    That being said, you can't update the main repository. All you can do is create your own ppa on launchpad and hope people use it. Lauchpad has good introductory guides on how to do that. You could also get in touch with Canonical and propose your new build.

    If you want to "update" TTYtter only locally on your system, you're free to do so but the next update in the main repositories might override your changes with yet another outdated version (which might break your configuration). To prevent that you should put updating on hold sudo aptitude hold ttytter (more info).

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