Hitchhiker's Guide to Openbsd

15.4.3 - Why is there no package for my Top-Favorite-Software?
There are several possible reasons for this: 
●
On the OpenBSD 
CD-ROMs
, there is no space to include every possible package for every 
possible platform. Therefore only the most used packages are included on the CDs. Additionally, 
some software can only be redistributed for free, this means it cannot be included on the CDs. If 
you cannot find a package on the CDs, try another source, such as an FTP mirror. 
●
Some software must simply not be redistributed in binary package form at all, according to its 
license. Other software is encumbered by patents and can therefore not be redistributed. If your 
Top-Favorite-Software falls into this category, you will need to use the port and compile from 
source. 
●
Obvious, but sometimes forgotten: there is 
no port of your Top-Favorite-Software
. You can 
verify this by 
searching the ports tree
. If there is indeed no port of your Top-Favorite-Software, 
then you are welcome to 
help
. 
15.4.4 - Why is there no port of my Top-Favorite-Software?
The ports collection is a volunteer project. Active port development is done by a limited number of 
people, in their spare time. These people usually make new ports only for software they use directly or 
are interested in. 
You can 
help
. Consider creating your own port. There is some documentation available on this: the 
OpenBSD Porter's Handbook
. Read it, and read it again. Especially the part about maintaining your port. 
Then try making a new port, and test it carefully and step by step. If finally it works OK for you, submit 
it to the ports mailing list at 
[e-mail]
. Chances are good you will get some feedback and 
testing from other people. If the testing is successful, your port will be considered to be taken up in the 
ports tree. 
http://www.openbsd.org/faq/faq15.html (23 of 27)9/4/2011 10:02:29 AM

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15 - The OpenBSD packages and ports system