2004-03-14

JPackage Project

Today, JPackage Project saved me a lot of time. If you do any kind of work in Java on RPM-based Linux systems, you ought to be using the fruits of JPackage Project (in conjunction with yum, of course). The project's stated goals are as follows:

• To provide a coherent set of Java software packages for Linux, satisfying all quality requirements of other applications.
• To establish an efficient and robust policy for Java software installation.

Based on my experience, I'd say the project has lived up to its goals. They have packaged just about every Java-related tool you can think of, divided the free from the non-free, and even provided yum-ready mirrors. Now, that's service.

In fact, the only grumble I have is that their site's dark background made me go temporarily blind (slight exaggeration). Regardless, three cheers for JPackage Project!