[Solved] portmaster hints

bigearsbilly · #1 July 24th, 2010, 01:15

Does anyone have any hints for using portmaster.
Is it actually any good for anything?

Every time I use it, like tonight, I spend 8 hours trying to get my system to
work again.
I have currently resorted to using the twm window manager trying to fix all the things
portmaster breaks. At least it didn't break X windows.

Nearly everything I touch after using portmaster requests an earlier library/port.
So now I'm writing /etc/libmap.conf files.

It's a real pain.

dennylin93 · #2 July 24th, 2010, 01:21

It's actually a great tool. Can't even remember the last time I broke anything.

Did you read /usr/ports/UPDATING before updating?

**phoenix** · #3 July 24th, 2010, 03:08

Search the forums. Most issues with the ports tree arise from people blindly using -a and/or -f, not reading /usr/ports/UPDATING before beginning, not doing things in small batches, and not reading relevant man pages (ports(7), portmaster(8) for starters).

For example, using the following portmaster options is highly recommended: -b -d -w

bigearsbilly · #4 July 26th, 2010, 09:59

well I guess all tools are good if you know how to use 'em!

Having a powercut mid stream probably didn't help.
I've read all the docs, I even have the book, Absolute FreeBSD.
Monday morning still at it.

phew!

**SirDice** · #5 July 26th, 2010, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigearsbilly

Nearly everything I touch after using portmaster requests an earlier library/port.

You're doing it wrong.

Quote:

So now I'm writing /etc/libmap.conf files.

Don't. Fix the problem, don't try to circumvent it.

**DutchDaemon** · #6 July 26th, 2010, 13:14

I would really suggest you wipe your current ports and start over again. Read:

man portmaster | less +/" Using portmaster to do a complete reinstallation of all your ports"

You could consider using a /usr/loca/etc/portmaster.rcfile to speed things up. It is described here:

man portmaster | less +/^FILES

I use this one (stripped):

Code:

           # Always save the backup packages of the old port (-b)
BACKUP=bopt

           # Always delete stale distfiles without prompting (-d)
ALWAYS_SCRUB_DISTFILES=dopt

           # Arguments to pass to make (-m)
PM_MAKE_ARGS='-DFORCE_PKG_REGISTER'

           # Save copies of old shared libraries (recommended) (-w)
SAVE_SHARED=wopt

           # Install a package if available (-P or packages)
PM_PACKAGES=first

           # Suppress the build confirmation message (no-confirm)
PM_NO_CONFIRM=pm_no_confirm

Especially the PM_PACKAGES=first is advised, as it will get you up and running really quickly. Make sure you set a sensible PACKAGESITE variable if you're on a -RELEASE.

bigearsbilly · #7 July 26th, 2010, 13:45

thanks chaps, most helpful.
yes I started building a .rc file for portmaster but thanks DutchDaemon for the hints
I will try them.

I guess there's no substitute for hard work.
Thanks guys I'll get on with it.

I like the --list-origins. I guess that would be a way
of loading a consistent set of ports after a fresh install.

edit: I can't figure out how to mark as [solved].

**SirDice** · #8 July 26th, 2010, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigearsbilly

edit: I can't figure out how to mark as [solved].

Edit your first post in this thread. Go to "advanced".

**DutchDaemon** · #9 July 26th, 2010, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigearsbilly

I like the --list-origins. I guess that would be a way
of loading a consistent set of ports after a fresh install.

Yes, I have this in all of my crontabs everywhere:

Code:

0 22 * * *	/usr/local/sbin/portmaster --list-origins > /root/ports_today

Of course, that /root/ports_today is also backed up every day.

bigearsbilly · #10 July 27th, 2010, 12:18

you are a lucky man DutchDaemon.
I've never found a working environment here in england that
uses FreeBSD. Always linux now, occasional solaris.

BTW I managed to get myself out of the hole without reinstalling all
the ports.
thanks chaps.

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The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to DutchDaemon For This Useful Post:
bigearsbilly (July 26th, 2010), biniar (February 1st, 2011), carlton_draught (October 31st, 2010)

The Following User Says Thank You to DutchDaemon For This Useful Post:
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