Send "Intent to Package" to Debian
I plan to send this "Intent to Package" to Debian in the next days, which marks the very first step to get Briar into Debian. Before doing so, I'd appreciate any comments by others. There's also briar-gtk#72 (closed) and python-briar-wrapper#17 (closed).
Subject: ITP: briar-headless -- Core library exposing REST API
Package: wnpp
Owner: Nico Alt <nicoalt@posteo.org>
Severity: wishlist
* Package name : briar-headless
Version : 1.2.9
Upstream Author : The Briar Project <contact@briarproject.org>
* URL : https://briarproject.org/
* License : GPLv3
Programming Lang: Java, Kotlin
Description : Core library exposing REST API
Briar is a messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and anyone
else who needs a safe, easy and robust way to communicate. Unlike
traditional messaging apps, Briar doesn't rely on a central server -
messages are synchronized directly between the users' devices. If the
internet's down, Briar can sync via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, keeping the
information flowing in a crisis. If the internet's up, Briar can sync via
the Tor network, protecting users and their relationships from
surveillance.
This package contains the Briar Headless Java/Kotlin core library
that's exposing a REST API used by python3-briar-wrapper.
Packaging briar-headless in compliance with DFSG currently isn't possible
because parts of it are written in Kotlin that isn't packaged yet in Debian.
Until it's possible to package briar-headless in compliance with DFSG, my
idea was to use official jars provided by the core developers of the Briar
Project and publish them as packages in Debian contrib:
https://code.briarproject.org/briar/briar-debian
Another potential problem that might occur in future is that Briar needs
full access to the Tor process and therefore ships its own Tor binary, i.e.
it's copying code. You can find more information on why it does this and how it
could be changed in future here:
https://code.briarproject.org/briar/python-briar-wrapper/-/issues/15
I use Briar Headless myself, but it was developed by other core developers
of the Briar Project. I plan to maintain this project and its dependencies
in Debian, but I'm always open to and appreciating any help by potential
co-maintainers. Additionally, I'm looking for a sponsor.Edited by Nico