fileset

A fileset is a packaging unit used by some UNIX-like operating systems to group related files as a single installable unit. In Solaris and related environments, a software package is composed of one or more filesets. Each fileset represents a logical collection of files that share a common purpose, such as a core system component, a library, or a set of utilities. Filesets carry metadata that describes their identity, version, description, installation attributes, and target location in the file system. A package may contain multiple filesets, and deployment can be selective so that only certain filesets are installed or upgraded.

Management and lifecycle of filesets are handled by packaging tools such as those associated with Solaris packaging. During installation, the system selects one or more filesets to install; upgrades and patches may modify individual filesets without altering the entire package. The packaging system tracks the status of each fileset (installed, not installed, partially installed) and may enforce dependencies between filesets to ensure correct operation of the software.

Context and scope. The concept of a fileset is characteristic of specific packaging ecosystems and is not universally used across all Linux distributions or Unix variants. Other packaging models may encapsulate modular components differently, such as treating each package as a distinct unit or using alternative metadata schemas for component granularity.

See also. Package management, Solaris operating system, AIX packaging (where similar concepts exist).