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debianpackagingdebchangelog

debian/changelog illegal package name

I am a deb file packaging newbie, and I am getting this warning when I run dch (from devtools) to make the changelog. I have tried several package names, but I still get this warning. The changelog is generated, but the package name isn't inserted. What am I doing wrong?

$dch --create -v 1.0.8 --package libXau
dch warning: illegal package name used with --package: libXau
dch: Did you see that warning?  Press RETURN to continue...
Solution

  • First- libxau6 1.0.8 is already in Debian; are you sure you don't just want to use the one that's already packaged- at least as a starting point?

    But to answer your question, Debian package names are not allowed to have uppercase letters. The dch tool knows about that rule and is trying to save you. Just do "libxau" instead of "libXau" and you should be fine.

    Finally, if you're packaging something for others to use and not just yourself, you may want to become familiar with the good-debian-citizen rules about library packaging, like "it's a good idea to have a package name based on the library SONAME, so the package name can change anytime the SONAME changes." One starting point in Debian Policy itself is https://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-sharedlibs.html , although there are friendlier intros out there.