Creating a Test RPM Package: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to learn the basic mechanics of creating RPM packages without diving into complex functionalities? Let’s create a simple “Hello World” test RPM!

Directory Structure:

~ ─ rpmbuild
    ├── RPMS
    │  
    ├── SOURCES
    ├── SPECS 
       └── test-rpm.specs
    └── SRPMS

1. rpmbuild directory: This is the main workspace for building RPMs. Create it in your home directory: mkdir ~/rpmbuild.
2. SPECS directory: This holds the spec file. Inside rpmbuild, create mkdir ~/rpmbuild/SPECS.
3. RPMS directory: This will store the built RPM file after successful build.

Steps:

1. Create the Spec File:

• Inside ~/rpmbuild/SPECS, create a file named hello-test-rpm.spec with the following content:

Name: hello-test-rpm 
Version: 1.0.0 
Release: 1 
Summary: A simple test RPM  
License: GPL    # Modify if necessary, but license is needed

%description 
This is a basic RPM displaying "Hello World!" upon installation.  

%files 

%license %{name}/LICENSE # Add LICENSE file if relevant  

%pre 

%post   echo "Hello World!" # Display the message 

%clean 

%prep 

%build 

%install   # No files to install for this test
  mkdir -p %{buildroot}/%doc/{empty-test-rpm}
  cp -r LICENSE %{buildroot}/%doc/empty-test-rpm/ # Include LICENSE if relevant

• Replace [PLACEHOLDER: License description] with your chosen license description (e.g., "GPLv3+").
• You can skip the cp line in install if you don’t have any license file.

Build the RPM:

• Open a terminal and navigate to ~/rpmbuild/SPECS.
• Run the build command: rpmbuild -bb hello-test-rpm.spec.
• If successful, a .rpm file will be created in ~/rpmbuild/RPMS.

Install the RPM (on a test machine):

• Copy the .rpm file to your test machine.
• Install it with sudo dnf install <filename> (or sudo yum install depending on your system).

Verify the Message:

• Open a terminal on the test machine and check the installation log: tail -n 1 /var/log/rpm-install. You should see "Hello World!".

Congratulations! You’ve built and installed a test RPM package.

Remember:

• This is a simplified example for learning purposes. Adapt the spec file for your specific needs.
• For complex functionalities like file installations or scripting, use appropriate sections in the spec file.
• Always include a valid license for open-source packages.

Explore further:

• Learn more about spec files and RPM development: https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/7/html/rpm_packaging_guide/getting-started-with-rpm-packaging
• Find helpful tools and resources for RPM development: https://www.rpmdev.com/