packagedescription

Packagedescription is a metadata field included in software package manifests that provides a human-readable explanation of what the package does, who it is for, and why it might be installed. It is intended to help users decide whether the package meets their needs and to assist automated tooling in presenting search results and documentation.

In many ecosystems the field has a short form and a longer form. Debian and Ubuntu use a brief description and a longer, multi-line description in the Description field. RPM-based distributions separate a Summary from a longer Description. JavaScript and Python ecosystems expose similar fields in package metadata, such as npm's description and PyPI's Summary and description fields. The exact structure and length constraints vary, but the goal is consistent: convey purpose, scope, and usage.

Recommended content typically includes the package’s primary function or feature set, the main use case, platform or system requirements, and any notable limitations or dependencies. It should avoid marketing language, unverified claims, or installation instructions, and refrain from duplicating details found in the package name or README. If possible, provide a succinct one-line summary plus a longer description that elaborates on typical workflows or scenarios.

Quality packagedescription improves searchability, filtering, and accessibility and can impact user trust and adoption. Localization can be provided to support users in multiple languages. Maintainers should keep the text up to date with changes in functionality and ensure that the description remains accurate across versions.