prompter: How can I build a Guix package for Nextcloud server?

assistant: Building a package for Nextcloud server using the Guix package manager involves a few steps:

    Familiarize yourself with the Guix system and its packaging process: Before building a package, it is important to understand how Guix handles packages and how it builds and installs software. You can start by reading the official Guix manual and tutorial.

    Get the Nextcloud source code: You can download the Nextcloud source code from the Nextcloud website or from its GitHub repository.

    Write a Guix package definition: A Guix package definition is a Scheme file that describes the package, including its dependencies, build process, and installation instructions. The definition should specify the Nextcloud source code tarball as an input, and provide all necessary information for Guix to build and install the software.

    Build the package: You can build the package by running the "guix build" command and specifying the package definition file. Guix will download the necessary dependencies, build the software, and create a package file.

    Install the package: You can install the Nextcloud server by running the "guix package -i" command and specifying the package file. Guix will take care of the installation process, including setting up the necessary configuration files and directories.

It is recommended to seek out existing package definitions for similar software and to use them as a reference when writing your own definition. The Guix community also provides a mailing list and a repository of packages that you can use as a resource.

prompter: How do I submit the package definition to the guix repositories?

assistant: You can submit package definitions to Guix by sending pull requests to the guix-devel mailing list.
The process looks like this:

Fork the guix git repository
Add your package definition in a branch
Send a pull request for your branch to guix-devel
Discuss the change with reviewers and address any feedback
Once your change is approved, it will be merged into master

So in more detail:

Fork the repo on GitHub (or GitLab if you prefer)
Commit your package definition in a separate branch
Use git send-email or format-patch/git-format-patch and email to send a pull request to guix-devel
Subscribe to guix-devel and participate in the review process
Address any feedback or comments
Once approved, a Guix maintainer will merge your branch

The Guix manual has a more detailed walkthrough of this process.
Hope that helps!

assistant: Once you have written and tested your package definition, you can submit it to the Guix repositories. You can submit your package definition to the Guix community mailing list or to the Guix Package Repository. If you wish to submit your package definition to the Guix Package Repository, you can create a pull request on the repository's GitHub page. Your package definition will be reviewed and, if accepted, it will be added to the repository. You will also be listed as an author of the package in the repository.

prompter: How can I improve the chance of my package definition being accepted?

assistant: To increase the chances of your package definition being accepted into the Guix Package Repository, you can follow these best practices:

Adhere to the Guix packaging guidelines: Guix has specific guidelines for writing package definitions. You can find these guidelines in the Guix manual and on the Guix wiki. Make sure your package definition follows these guidelines.

Test your package thoroughly: Before submitting your package definition, make sure you have tested it thoroughly. You can use the "guix build" and "guix package -i" commands to build and install your package and verify that it works correctly.

Make sure the package builds reproducibly: Guix requires that packages be built reproducibly, meaning that the build process should produce the same results every time. You can use the "guix build --check" command to verify that your package builds reproducibly.

Document your package: Your package definition should include clear and concise documentation about the package and its dependencies. This information will help reviewers understand your package and make informed decisions about its acceptance.

Provide clear and detailed information about the build process: Your package definition should include clear and detailed information about the build process, including any patches or modifications you have made to the source code. This information will help reviewers understand the changes you have made and ensure that the package builds correctly.

Be responsive to feedback: Reviewers may provide feedback about your package definition. Be responsive to this feedback and make any necessary changes to your definition. The more responsive you are to feedback, the more likely your package definition will be accepted.

By following these best practices, you can increase the chances of your package definition being accepted into the Guix Package Repository and make a positive contribution to the Guix community.

assistant: Follow the style guide. The Guix style guide outlines conventions for package definitions, including naming, indentation, etc. Following this will make your package blend in with the rest of the repository.
Include descriptive commit messages. When submitting a pull request, include a commit message that summarizes what your package definition adds. Mention the purpose of the package, what version you packaged, etc.
Test your package. Ideally, you should test your package definition locally to ensure that it builds and installs correctly, and that the resulting package works as expected. Mentioning that you tested it in your pull request is a plus.
Be responsive to feedback. The Guix maintainers may provide feedback or suggestions for improving your package definition. Be responsive to this feedback, make changes as needed, and push updates to your pull request. This shows you are engaged and interested in getting it right.

In general, showing that you are thoughtful and diligent about your package definition submission will increase the chances that it is accepted. The Guix developers appreciate high-quality, tested package definitions, so putting in the effort to submit something polished is worthwhile.