namcap

Check a specific PKGBUILD file

$ namcap [path/to/pkgbuild]

$ namcap [path/to/package.pkg.tar.zst]

$ namcap [[-i|--info]] [path/to/file]

namcap [options]

-c
    Specify a configuration file to use. Defaults to /etc/namcap.conf.

-g
    Generate a default configuration file (namcap.conf).

-h
    Show help message and exit.

-i
    Ignore specified issue or issues (comma separated).

-p
    Print the namcap.conf that is being used and exit.

-q
    Quiet mode. Only display errors.

-v
    Verbose output.

-V
    Show version number and exit.

namcap is a powerful command-line tool designed for checking Arch Linux packages for common packaging errors and potential issues. It analyzes the package contents, including files, directories, dependencies, and PKGBUILD, and reports any discrepancies or deviations from Arch Linux packaging standards. It helps developers to produce compliant and high-quality packages for distribution in the Arch Linux ecosystem. It automatically checks dependencies, file permissions, file locations, and adherence to best practices. The checks performed can be customized through configuration files, and the output can be tailored for different needs, from simple warnings to detailed reports with severity levels.

By using namcap, package maintainers can catch errors early in the development process, preventing issues from reaching end-users. It streamlines the package review process by automatically identifying potential problems, ensuring consistency across packages, and helping maintain the overall quality of the Arch Linux repository.

The behavior of namcap can be configured through a configuration file, typically located at /etc/namcap.conf. This file allows you to customize which checks are performed, set severity levels for different issues, and ignore specific errors.
Users can create a personalized conf file, using the -g command.
The config file is well documented. Refer to the config file for complete configuration options.

namcap returns an exit status of 0 if no errors are found, and a non-zero exit status if errors are found.

The history of namcap is closely tied to the development of the Arch Linux distribution and its package management system. As Arch Linux grew, the need for a tool to enforce packaging standards and identify common errors became apparent. namcap was developed to address this need, providing a way to automatically check packages for compliance with Arch Linux's packaging guidelines. Its development has been driven by the evolving needs of the Arch Linux community, with features and checks added over time to reflect changes in best practices and emerging issues. The tool plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and consistency of the Arch Linux package repository.

makepkg(1), PKGBUILD(5)