NAME Perl::Dist - Create binary Perl distributions DESCRIPTION The Perl::Dist namespace encompasses creation of pre-packaged, binary distributions of Perl, such as executable installers for Win32. While initial efforts are targeted at Win32, there is hope that this may become a more general support tool for Perl application deployment. Packages in this namespace include both "builders" and "distributions". Builder packages automate the generation of distributions. Distribution packages contain configuration files for a particular builder, extra files to be bundled with the pre-packaged binary, and documentation. Distribution namespaces are also recommended to consolidate bug reporting using rt.cpan.org. *Distribution packages should not contain the pre-packaged install files themselves.* BUILDERS There is currently only the default builder: * Perl::Dist::Builder -- an alpha version of a distribution builder DISTRIBUTIONS Currently available distributions include: * Perl::Dist::Vanilla -- an experimental "core Perl" distribution intended for distribution developers * Perl::Dist::Strawberry -- a practical Win32 Perl release for experienced Perl developers to experiment and test the installation of various CPAN modules under Win32 conditions ROADMAP Everything is currently alpha, at best. These packages have been released to enable community support in ongoing development. Some specific items for development include: * Bug-squashing Win32 compatibility problems in popular modules * Refactoring the initial builder for greater modularity and control of the build process * Support for Win32 *.msi installation files instead of standalone *.exe installers * Better uninstall support and upgradability SEE ALSO * * * AUTHOR David A. Golden (DAGOLDEN) dagolden@cpan.org http://dagolden.com/ COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE Copyright (c) 2006 by David A. Golden This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself. The full text of the license can be found in the LICENSE file included with this module. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS SOFTWARE IS LICENSED FREE OF CHARGE, THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE SOFTWARE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND/OR OTHER PARTIES PROVIDE THE SOFTWARE "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE SOFTWARE PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR, OR CORRECTION. IN NO EVENT UNLESS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW OR AGREED TO IN WRITING WILL ANY COPYRIGHT HOLDER, OR ANY OTHER PARTY WHO MAY MODIFY AND/OR REDISTRIBUTE THE SOFTWARE AS PERMITTED BY THE ABOVE LICENCE, BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF THE SOFTWARE TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER SOFTWARE), EVEN IF SUCH HOLDER OR OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.