sourcepaket

A sourcepaket, or source package, is a bundle that contains the original source code of a software component along with the files and metadata needed to build that component into a binary package. It is used in software distributions to allow others to inspect, modify, and reproduce the build.

Typical contents of a source package include the upstream source code, patches or diffs, and packaging scripts or metadata that describe how the software should be built and packaged for a particular distribution. Depending on the ecosystem, this material may also include a control or spec file, license information, and a changelog. In some ecosystems, a source package is delivered as a compressed archive plus a separate descriptor file that specifies the exact sources and patches used.

The primary purposes of a sourcepaket are transparency, reproducibility, and maintainability. It enables developers and users to verify how a binary package was produced, apply local changes, or rebuild the software in different environments. It also supports auditing for licenses and security by exposing the exact code and build instructions involved.

In practice, source packages are used across many packaging systems. For example, Debian and its derivatives use source packages consisting of a descriptor file (such as a dsc), the original upstream tarball, and a separate packaging tarball; RPM-based systems often use source RPMs that bundle sources with patches and a spec file. Regardless of the format, the concept centers on distributing the source and build instructions necessary to reproduce or modify a binary package.