4.7 Dealing with Broken Packages

If you come across a package that does not work for you, there are a few things you can do, including:

  1. Fix it! The pkgsrc Guide includes detailed information on the ``pkgsrc®'' infrastructure so that you can fix the occasional broken package or even submit your own!

  2. Gripe--by email only! Send email to the maintainer of the package first. Type bmake maintainer or read the Makefile to find the maintainer's email address. Remember to include the name and version of the port (send the $NetBSD: line from the Makefile) and the output leading up to the error when you email the maintainer. If you do not get a response from the maintainer, you can try users .

  3. Grab the package from an FTP site near you. The ``master'' package collection is on packages.stura.uni-rostock.de in the All directory. These are more likely to work than trying to compile from source and are a lot faster as well. Use the pkg_add(1) program to install the package on your system.

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