| Maximum RPM: Taking the RPM Package Manager to the Limit | ||
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The end product of this entire process is a source package file and a binary package file.
The source package file is a specially formatted archive that contains the following files:
The original compressed tar file(s).
The spec file.
The patches.
Since the source package contains everything needed to create the binary package, the source package, and provide the original sources, it's a great way to distribute source code. As mentioned earlier, it's also a great way to archive all the information needed to rebuild a particular version of the package.
The binary package file is the one part of the entire RPM building process that is most visible to the user. It contains the files that comprise the application, along with any additional information needed to install and erase it. The binary package file is where the "rubber hits the road."