Software Packages

We reuse a lot of existing software whenever we write an application or library. Reuse causes dependencies, which can be difficult to manage. Properly packaging software helps us manage such dependencies automatically.

Watch

Managing and packaging software (9:30).

Virtualization explained (5:20)

Read

Wikipedia page on Package management. Links to an external site.

Depending on the programming language(s) you are going to use in this course, at least one of the following:

Maven in five minutes Links to an external site. (for Java).
The basic on using pip Links to an external site. (for Python).
The introduction to npm Links to an external site. (for JavaScript).

Reflect

What is the difference between an installer and a package manager?
What types of package managers have you used yourself?
Have you had to deal with manual software installations before?