Dec 30
New package format in MacOS X 10.5 implemented by Apple.
They chose XAR.
Seems they made the decision a few months ago, but it’s finally implemented
in the last seed of MacOS X 10.5 (link)
The latest release seeded to developers has the xar tool and libxar.
Package Maker and Installer have been adapted to create and install
packages using the xar format (respectively).
Should we expect a major update of Pacifist software soon?
Interesting links:
www.opendarwin.org/projects/xar/
www.opendarwin.org/~bbraun/whyxar.html
December 31st, 2006 at 5:36 am
Just because a lib was added, doesn’t mean that apple’s switching to a new format.
December 31st, 2006 at 6:06 am
No, but if Apple comes out and *says* they are switching, then they probably are.
See <http://www.nabble.com/xar-in-Mac-OS-X-t2081148.html>
December 31st, 2006 at 6:12 am
What’s the difference anyways?
December 31st, 2006 at 6:13 am
How do ya know what its used for? for all we know, they’re going to compress .kext’s. or they’re just adding support as an additional option for developers to use.
December 31st, 2006 at 6:16 am
Oh noess!!! Does this mean mac users will not be able to run it?
December 31st, 2006 at 7:14 am
ok, maybe you would like to lose the snow?
December 31st, 2006 at 7:22 am
I can’t read the story correctly because the snow is really annoying please stop it now !!
December 31st, 2006 at 7:30 am
Apple is switching formats including it’s Installer tool as well, anyone who attended WWDC sessions would know this. The new package formats allow for updates on the fly, setting the URL as the file download (so you can just run the installer and the latest version gets installed, digitally signed and all. All the info is available to select and
premier developer accounts
December 31st, 2006 at 12:21 pm
Snow melted.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:24 pm
Hooray, another open source project using the .XAR file extension.
January 2nd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Looks pretty slick - it was in need of a revamp though.
January 2nd, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Between this, native GTK support, ZFS and Mac OS forge, Leopard is going to be filled with some serious open source win. I can’t wait for next week!