What is Radix?

Radix

Radix
1 : the base of a number system or of logarithms
2 : the primary source

(We’re going with definition 2, here.)

Radix is a project to build software reproducibly using Repeatr, Reach, and the Timeless Stack.

Radix “Packages” are similar to packages from other linux distributions… however, we’re aiming to do something not like linux distributions: our vision for Radix Packages is that they go anywhere, with or without the rest of a distro associated with them.

Responsible Packaging

A key part of the Radix project is to specify patterns and guidelines for software packaging and distribution which make the world simpler.

We already have a lot of “hard” problems solved by building on top of the Timeless Stack – we have hermetic builds; we have snapshottable indices; we have immutable distribution systems; and so on.

So what’s left? The contents of the packages themselves, of course! Here are some attributes we’d like to ensure:

  • all dependencies are from in the Timeless Stack; no unclean network fetches;
  • the build is reproducible;
  • the runtime dependencies are either bundled or clear (hash-linked);
  • the product fileset is path-agnostic;
  • when using shared libraries, any libraries are co-installable;
  • the choice between packaging with shared libraries or using omnibus bundles should be a trivial choice (and not require recompilation!);
  • post-install hooks are not permissible.

Alpha Notice

Radix is an early stage project. As such, the documentation stops here. Get in touch if you’d like to contribute :)