Remove the `--packaging-format` option for Linux System packaging
- Dominant language
- Python
- Stars
- 3.3k
- Forks
- 549
- Avg merge
- 1d 4h
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 40
Description
### Describe the bug
While it may be possible to build packages that are not native to the distro, doing this in practice does not work.
Even if you build a deb in Fedora, you can't install it in to another Fedora environment; none of the dependent packages will be available.
Building a pkg with `makepkg` requires all the dependencies to already be installed...but how can I install them if I'm not on Arch?
### Steps to reproduce
Attempt to build a package that is not native to the target.
### Expected behavior
The packaging format is chosen based on the target distro....which is the default (and sane) behavior anyway.
### Screenshots
_No response_
### Environment
- Operating System: fedora 37
- Python version: 3.11.4
- Software versions:
- Briefcase: `0.3.16.dev58+g5483fd9a`
### Logs
_No response_
### Additional context
_No response_
Contributor guide
Research direction
Start by locating the `--packaging-format` option and the Linux system packaging entry points. Check how the option currently affects distro-specific packaging, then verify that removing it preserves selection based on the target distribution and that non-native formats can no longer be requested.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- python
- Domain
- build-system, cli
- Issue type
- Bug
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 35/100