How do I make package files install to the correct location?

Question

I have made a python application and managed to create a package. However, when I install the package, no files seem to be installed.

I have created an app.install file in the debian directory which contains:

bin/     /usr/bin
app.desktop     /usr/share/applications

The .py file is in debian/bin and the .desktop file is in debian.

andrewsomething · Accepted Answer · 2011-08-26 15:11:00Z

up vote 1 down vote accepted

I'd be able to give you a more complete answer if I could see the package. From what you've provided, your package.install file should look like:

foo.py     usr/bin
debian/app.desktop     usr/share/applications

Also make sure that package.install (replace package with the actual name of your package) is in the debian/ dir.

You should take a look at the packaging guide and the man page for dh_install

edited Aug 26 '11 at 15:11

answered Aug 26 '11 at 12:25

andrewsomething
14.8k33188

	I put it in debian/bin/ after reading a post on the Ubuntu forums. Where would you recommend I install a .py file? – Carl Ansell Aug 26 '11 at 12:49
	In the root directory of the source package. Which after downloading your package, I see is what you have done. – andrewsomething Aug 26 '11 at 15:09
	Ok. Looking at the source package, I see the problem. First `package.install` needs to be in the `debian/`directory. Next, rename it to use your package's actual name, `bmi-calculator.install`. There's a few other minor issues in the package as well, but this will get the script and desktop file installed to the right location. – andrewsomething Aug 26 '11 at 15:18
	Thanks, it now installs correctly. When I said I had a .install file it was in the debian/directory, but it was actually called INSTALL which is why it didn't work. – Carl Ansell Aug 26 '11 at 15:27
	I see a few lintian errors about the version and homepage, what other issues are there? – Carl Ansell Aug 26 '11 at 15:34

1 Answer