Introducing pearhub

Happy New Year. In the previous year, I have spent a great deal of time with Ruby on Rails, and one of the things that works better in the Ruby world is the package distribution system (gems, as they are called). A lot of Ruby developers make their libraries available on github

, which until recently had an integrated feature to publish the code as a gem. Recently they discontinued this service and instead a dedicated site, gemcutter emerged. Gemcutter is strictly a package hosting service/channel. I think services like these are an important reason why gems are so popular amongst Ruby developers, and I figured that PHP really needs something similar. So over the Christmas period, I began brewing a service, which is now stable enough that I’ll make it available to the community at large. pearhub.org provides a place where you can register a project that is hosted on Github, Google code or similar (Currently only git and subversion are supported). The service will generate a PEAR package and put it on a PEAR channel. This means that installation and upgrade can be done from the PEAR installer. New releases are made by making a tag in the linked repository. Pearhub will check routinely for any new tags, and generate a new package if so. I hope you’ll find it useful, and feedback is of course welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PearHub

What is PearHub and how does it work?

PearHub is a platform that allows developers to publish their PHP Extension and Application Repository (PEAR) packages. It simplifies the process of publishing and managing PEAR packages by providing a user-friendly interface and automated processes. Once a developer uploads their package, PearHub takes care of the rest, including package validation, version control, and distribution.

How can I publish my PEAR package on PearHub?

To publish your PEAR package on PearHub, you need to create an account, upload your package, and provide the necessary details such as the package name, version, and description. PearHub will then validate your package and, if approved, it will be available for others to download and use.

What are the benefits of using PearHub?

PearHub offers several benefits to developers. It simplifies the process of publishing and managing PEAR packages, saving developers time and effort. It also provides a platform for developers to showcase their work and reach a wider audience. Additionally, PearHub offers version control and package validation, ensuring the quality and reliability of the packages published on the platform.

Is PearHub free to use?

Yes, PearHub is free to use. Developers can publish their PEAR packages on the platform at no cost. However, PearHub may introduce premium features in the future that may require a subscription.

How does PearHub ensure the quality of the packages published on the platform?

PearHub has a validation process in place to ensure the quality of the packages published on the platform. This process checks the package for any errors or issues before it is published. Additionally, PearHub also provides version control, allowing developers to manage and update their packages effectively.

Can I update my package once it’s published on PearHub?

Yes, you can update your package on PearHub. The platform provides version control, allowing you to manage and update your packages as needed. You can also provide updates and patches to your package to improve its functionality and fix any issues.

Can I remove my package from PearHub?

Yes, you can remove your package from PearHub. If you decide to remove your package, it will no longer be available for download on the platform. However, any users who have already downloaded your package will still be able to use it.

How can I get support if I encounter issues with PearHub?

If you encounter any issues with PearHub, you can reach out to the support team through the contact form on the website. The support team is available to assist with any issues or questions you may have about using the platform.

Can I use PearHub if I’m not a developer?

While PearHub is primarily designed for developers, non-developers can also use the platform to download and use PEAR packages. However, some technical knowledge may be required to install and use these packages.

What is the future of PearHub?

PearHub aims to continue simplifying the process of publishing and managing PEAR packages for developers. The platform plans to introduce new features and improvements based on user feedback and technological advancements.