Using package build records at pkg-status.freebsd.org

[grahamperrin]

Using package build records at pkg-status.freebsd.org

This brief guide includes:

• screenshots
• an explanation of why the latest option – not to be confused with packages from the main branch of the ports tree (familiarly known as latest) – is not reliable
• a hint about the current requirement to use TCP/IPv6 in some areas (see below, bug 262340).

Motivation​

Primarily, to provide a point of reference in relation to frequently questions such as this:

Why does pkg require you to remove other packages …

Why, when trying to install a new package via pkg, the installer wants to remove or reinstall all important software. …

Editions​

The guide:

• was first published in January 2023
• was updated after 13.2-RELEASE was announced
• was not updated after 14.0-CURRENT was created
• will not be updated after 14.0-RELEASE is announced
• will not be updated when 12.4-RELEASE dies.

If I find a different host, I might provide an updated guide.

Errata​

For now, please note that one line is significantly outdated (sorry):

Packages for FreeBSD 14.0-CURRENT: main-amd64.

– it should read:

Packages for FreeBSD 15.0-CURRENT on AMD64: main-amd64.

Related​

262340 – Accessing package builder status pages over IPv4

bugs.freebsd.org