NuPack package manager - Maybe it can work around some CSLA installer issues?

Jaans posted on Friday, October 08, 2010

Hi Rocky

Not sure if you read Scott Guthrie's post about NuPack - maybe something worth exploring?

Here's a link (there are many already):

• http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2010/10/06/announcing-nupack-asp-net-mvc-3-beta-and-webmatrix-beta-2.aspx
• http://www.hanselman.com/blog/IntroducingNuPackPackageManagementForNETAnotherPieceOfTheWebStack.aspx
  (this is from Scott Hanselman)

Regards,
Jaans

RockfordLhotka replied on Friday, October 08, 2010

Yes, I read through that information. I think it is a great idea, and I absolutely plan to try and figure it out.

It does look like there's some real effort involved in figuring out how to create a package, and then how to automate that creation on my end (creating some scripts or something), but it will probably be well worth the time required.

RockfordLhotka replied on Friday, October 08, 2010

<shameless plea>

Of course I wouldn't turn down any offers to help get it up and running :)

</shameless plea>

Jaans replied on Friday, October 08, 2010

Hi Rocky

I started to look into it in some more detail (just to try and gauge the effort required). It doesn't seem too laborious and mostly an initial effort to define a "Package Specification" that describes the library. This package specification and package contents is then submitted online, to enable developers to discover and consume the packages.

Put very simply, the creation of a package boils down to:

• Create a NuSpec file (XML based file)
  • Define metadata for package
  • Define dependencies on other packages
  • Define contents of the package
    • Tools
    • Content - Samples / Source could potentially be specified here
    • Llb / Assemblies - The framework and version can be specified. For example: Bin\{framework name}{version} which could be:
      • \Bin\.NET2.0  --> .NET Framework version 2.0
      • \Bin\.NET4.0 --> .NET Framework version 4.0
      • \Bin\SL4 --> Silverlight 4.0
      • etc.
• Build a package
  • This can be specified as Visual Studio Post-Build Event. Future versions of NuPack intend to create a MSBuild Task)
  • Use NuPack.exe to build a package. For example
    • "$(SolutionDir)Tools\NuPack.exe" "CSLA.NuSpec"
• Submit
  • This is where I'm coming up empty. Not sure if I'm just not seeing it, but it appears that this is not yet available. I have noticed a couple of other users enquiring about it too, so I'm sure they'll get that information out soon.
  • It's worth noting that the source of packages is "feed" based and that while there is a "central" feed maintained by the community, you can also specify a custom feed which could even be local/internal feed (useful for corporate environments).

Here are some direct links to useful bits of info:

• The CodePlex site for NuPack
• Getting started - Using packages
• Creating a package
• NuSpec format
• NuSpec FAQ
• Current list of available packages

PS: I like that is has the ability to request a list of available updates for the packages already referenced (E.g. List-Package –updates).

Summary: At first glance it seems great and probably overdue for the VS environment, but it is still a bit v1.0 at this stage and there are a couple of small issues. I suspect it's going to gain momentum and with it some good polish to go with what is an already great start. I'm not particularly fond of where it places the downloaded package and files in your solution / project nor the fact that you cannot control it (yet). It might also just be a case of resistance to change from my own practices.

I'll try to keep following it and update here if I get time.

Jaans

RockfordLhotka replied on Friday, October 08, 2010

I do have a way to submit a package. Right now they are in a beta phase, so there aren't public submissions, but I do have access, so if we can get a package put together I can get it into the mix.

Jaans replied on Friday, October 08, 2010

That's great.

Some more good news, I've spent some time (OK.. I admit, I got interested and carried away) and have made great progress. I've cracked the proverbial nut and I'll have something detailed for you soon.

Jaans replied on Saturday, October 09, 2010

FYI - I've sent you and email that includes source code and power points to explain and demonstrate an implementation.