How long between upstream release and arch updates?

b9anders · 2007-12-14 12:47:36

Perhaps a bit of a newbie question, but:

I know that Arch is supposed to be a bleeding edge rolling release. I am curious though as to how long there usually is between a new release upstream and an updated version finding its way to the arch repositories.

For example, I read the other day that a new version of tracker is (finally!) out, which I have been a bit anxious to get, seeing as the current repo version appears to be broken. Should I be staring at my screen, hitting pacman -Syu every half hour waiting for the latest arrivals or would I be better off thinking 'maybe I should just -Syu in a couple of weeks and see if its in'.

In relation to that, how often do you generally update your system?

Last edited by b9anders (2007-12-14 12:47:59)

FeatherMonkey · 2007-12-14 12:56:24

I maybe wrong but I guess that comes down to what the package is doing, some I guess will make it to testing then finally to us example xorg 7.3

But others I guess will make it relatively quickly think it comes down to the impact on the whole system some have less, some more so. I guess each package will be assessed on its own and its impact to the system.

As for updating think that comes down to knowledge, access and use some do it regularly as I do, I'd rather roll back from one or 2 packages. Others wait till they get physical access in case something goes really wrong.

Others update security fixes and leave the rest think that's the point with arch you're in control so its your choice.

I have to admit if I see a package that turns up in the forum that seems problematic I'll hold off for a few days to a week otherwise I'll do it when I boot.

Last edited by FeatherMonkey (2007-12-14 13:06:45)

mrunion · 2007-12-14 13:25:37

I update every morning -- but I only update core, community and extra.

As for waiting, the mirror I use syncs once every 24 hours it seems. So whenever the Arch home page shows something new, I usually get it the next day. As to how long it takes for new stuff to get into Arch, I have no idea.

Allan · 2007-12-14 13:44:13

Well, it varies with how busy the TU is (tracker is in the community repository so is unlikely to need testing as it won't likely break your system...). Some can be minutes after update. Some take a few days. If you are really anxious to get updated software, you can always adjust the PKGBUILD yourself and use ABS. Most minor update releases just involve update the pkgver, pkgrel, and md5sum feilds.

Last edited by Allan (2007-12-14 13:45:02)

chicha · 2007-12-14 14:03:10

As Arch is a distro made by volunteers, your question highly depends on the package maintainer.

Some maintainers have only one package to take care about. Some have many more !
Also sometimes people want or have to be less involved for many reasons (exams, holidays ...).

This is also true for bug reports : sometimes I opened a bug and it was fixed in a few hours or days. But some of the bugs I opened a few month ago are still opened

What is great with Arch is if you really need a new version of a package which is not yet released by the maintainer, it is most of the time as easy as changing the version in the PKGBUILD. But you have to know what you are doing. Sometimes there are good reasons to not update a package.

Concerning tracker : it is broken due to a new SQlite version. I am not sure that tracker's new version has fixed this.

I personally switched to Beagle. There is a kind of buzz around beagle who is said to be heavy, broken and not as good as tracker. I can assure you this is totally not true ! Beagle is really doing a great job on my machine

Cheers,
Chicha.

Arch Linux

#1 2007-12-14 12:47:36

How long between upstream release and arch updates?

#2 2007-12-14 12:56:24

Re: How long between upstream release and arch updates?

#3 2007-12-14 13:25:37

Re: How long between upstream release and arch updates?

#4 2007-12-14 13:44:13

Re: How long between upstream release and arch updates?

#5 2007-12-14 14:03:10

Re: How long between upstream release and arch updates?

Board footer