From owner-freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.ORG  Mon Apr  3 19:05:35 2006
Return-Path: <owner-freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.ORG>
X-Original-To: freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.org
Delivered-To: freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.org
Received: from mx1.FreeBSD.org (mx1.freebsd.org [216.136.204.125])
	by hub.freebsd.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 627F816A401
	for <freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.org>; Mon,  3 Apr 2006 19:05:35 +0000 (UTC)
	(envelope-from shaun@inerd.com)
Received: from dione.picobyte.net (host-212-158-207-124.bulldogdsl.com
	[212.158.207.124])
	by mx1.FreeBSD.org (Postfix) with SMTP id CD90A43D64
	for <freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.org>; Mon,  3 Apr 2006 19:05:34 +0000 (GMT)
	(envelope-from shaun@inerd.com)
Received: from charon.picobyte.net (charon.picobyte.net
	[IPv6:2001:4bd0:201e::fe03])
	by dione.picobyte.net (Postfix) with ESMTP
	for <freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.org>; Mon,  3 Apr 2006 20:05:32 +0100 (BST)
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 20:05:32 +0100
From: Shaun Amott <shaun@inerd.com>
To: freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.org
Message-ID: <20060403190532.GA966@picobyte.net>
Mail-Followup-To: freebsd-ports@FreeBSD.org
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Content-Disposition: inline
User-Agent: Mutt/1.5.11 (FreeBSD i386)
Cc: 
Subject: portscout - new distfile scanner
X-BeenThere: freebsd-ports@freebsd.org
X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.5
Precedence: list
List-Id: Porting software to FreeBSD <freebsd-ports.freebsd.org>
List-Unsubscribe: <http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-ports>,
	<mailto:freebsd-ports-request@freebsd.org?subject=unsubscribe>
List-Archive: <http://lists.freebsd.org/pipermail/freebsd-ports>
List-Post: <mailto:freebsd-ports@freebsd.org>
List-Help: <mailto:freebsd-ports-request@freebsd.org?subject=help>
List-Subscribe: <http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-ports>,
	<mailto:freebsd-ports-request@freebsd.org?subject=subscribe>
X-List-Received-Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 19:05:35 -0000

Hi folks,

As I mentioned a few days ago, I've been working on a system for
checking for new ports distfiles. Someone pointed out that there is
already a script which does this - however, it seems to be out of
service.

My initial intent was to create a generic script for personal use, but
it has rapidly expanded into something which spiders the entire tree,
and uses a full-scale relational database.

The script - called "portscout" - uses a more sophisticated set of tests
to determine if a new distfile is available. It still has a few rough
edges, but it's nearly ready for day-to-day operation.

I have done a test run, for anyone who might be interested:

    http://beta.inerd.com/portscout/

I'm prepared to continue running this as a service if there is enough
interest; otherwise, I will either run it for parts of the tree, or
release it for personal use.

Feedback is welcome. In particular, if you spot any updates portscout
missed.

-- 
Shaun Amott [ PGP: 0x6B387A9A ]
    Scientia Est Potentia.