Packaging open source software is often overlooked as a simple task, but recent events in the Linux distribution world have emphasized its importance. As a sysadmin, I have seen the consequences of not properly packaging software and keeping up with updates. The process of packaging involves identifying dependencies, testing the system, conforming to specific standards, fixing bugs, and ensuring easy uninstallation. Sometimes it’s straightforward, while other times it requires extensive work due to the software’s requirements. Distribution packaging also involves considering how the upstream handles things, making it an ongoing task. Overall, packaging software is a significant responsibility that requires careful attention to detail.
https://utcc.utoronto.ca/~cks/space/blog/linux/PackagingTakesWork