PC-BSD

Welcome to the PC-BSD Development gateway! In PC-BSD we have two main areas of work: System development and application porting to the PBI Format.

System Development

Most users can help us by testing pre-release builds of PC-BSD and reporting problem. Users who are interested this will need to sign-up on the Testing Mailing List to receive notification of new ISOs & features for testing. 

Programmers and Developers who want to help improve the PC-BSD codebase are also welcome! If you would like to take part in core development, you can either:

• Signup and submit code via the Developers Mailing List
• Watch the list of modifications in the SVN Commits Mailing List
• Browse through the Development Wiki
• Get in touch with a member of the System Developer Team
• Download the PC-BSD source

PBI Porting

One of the main features of PC-BSD is its unique PBI package management system. As such, the project can always use the help of talented individuals to assist in creating new PBIs for PC-BSD users to install and enjoy. There are currently two methods of PBI Creation:

Converting a FreeBSD Port into a PBI file (Recommended Method)

Most open source applications have already been ported for FreeBSD. PC-BSD offers the easy to use PBI Builder software which allows building FreeBSD ports in a "clean" environment, and converting the finished port into a PBI file. This is the preferred method of creating a PBI as it allows us to add the module to our subversion server, and to rebuild the PBI automatically each time the respective FreeBSD port is updated. Developers are encouraged to contact us via the PBI Developer mailing list to submit new modules or fixes to existing modules. 

• Download the PBI Builder software
  
• Information on how to create a PBI
  
• Information about the PBI Build Server
• Discuss or submit code on the PBI Developer Mailing List
• View existing PBI Builder modules 

Building a PBI from a binary application NOT in the ports tree

Occasionally a PBI is needed for an application that has not yet been ported to FreeBSD. The PBI Creator software can be used to port the software directly to PC-BSD. In additon to the resources already mentioned, the following resources are available:

• Download the PBI Creator GUI Application
  
• Read the PBI developer handbook
• Read the PBI tutorial FAQ's
  
• Read the PBI developer FAQ's

Good luck and thanks for your support!

The Development team.