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Overview

Azure Linux provides specialized tools for package development, testing, and debugging. These tools enable developers to work efficiently with RPM packages in isolated environments.

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containerized-rpmbuild

The containerized-rpmbuild tool enables building and testing individual Azure Linux packages in an isolated containerized environment.

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Features

  • Creates an Azure Linux container for isolated package builds
  • Mounts SPECs, INTERMEDIATE_SRPMS, and out/RPMs from the Azure Linux repository
  • Supports using locally built RPMs or upstream RPMs for dependencies
  • Uses native RPM commands for package building
  • Syncs changes to SPECS/ back to the host
  • Provides both build and test modes

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Basic Usage

cd azurelinux/toolkit
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild

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Available Options

View all available options and usage information: 
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild-help

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Configuration Parameters

The tool accepts several optional parameters to customize behavior:
ParameterDescriptionDefault
REPO_PATHDirectory to use as Azure Linux repoCurrent directory
MODEOperation mode (build or test)build
VERSIONAzure Linux version (1.0 or 2.0)2.0
MOUNTSAdditional directories to mount into containerNone
BUILD_MOUNTDirectory to mount as build directory$REPO_PATH/build
EXTRA_PACKAGESAdditional packages to install in containerNone
ENABLE_REPOUse local RPMs for build dependenciesDisabled
KEEP_CONTAINERKeep container on exitDisabled (cleaned up)
QUIETSuppress stdout for most commandsDisabled

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Build Mode

Build a package using the default worker chroot filesystem: 
cd azurelinux/toolkit
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild MODE=build
In build mode:
  • Uses the worker chroot as the container filesystem
  • Provides a complete build environment
  • Changes to SPECS/ are preserved on the host
  • All other changes are ephemeral

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Test Mode

Test a package using the upstream Azure Linux container: 
cd azurelinux/toolkit
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild MODE=test
In test mode:
  • Uses the upstream Azure Linux container image
  • Provides a clean runtime environment
  • Suitable for testing package installation and functionality

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Using Local Dependencies

Enable local RPMs to satisfy build dependencies: 
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild ENABLE_REPO=y
This mounts your local RPM repository into the container and configures tdnf to use it.

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Mounting Additional Directories

Mount extra directories into the container: 
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild MOUNTS="/path/to/dir1 /path/to/dir2"

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Persistent Containers

Keep the container running after exit for debugging: 
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild KEEP_CONTAINER=y
By default, containers are automatically cleaned up on exit.

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Overriding Build Definitions

You can override any Azure Linux make definitions when using containerized-rpmbuild: 
# Override SPECS directory
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild SPECS_DIR=/custom/specs

# Override SRPM pack list
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild SRPM_PACK_LIST="package1 package2"

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Working with Packages

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Building a Single Package

cd azurelinux/toolkit
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild
# Inside the container
rpmbuild -ba SPECS/mypackage.spec

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Testing Package Installation

cd azurelinux/toolkit
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild MODE=test
# Inside the container
tdnf install -y mypackage

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Debugging Build Issues

Use persistent containers to debug: 
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild KEEP_CONTAINER=y
# Container stays running for manual inspection

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Best Practices

  1. Use Build Mode for Development: When actively developing spec files, use build mode to get the full toolchain.
  2. Test in Clean Environment: Use test mode to verify packages install correctly in a minimal environment.
  3. Keep Containers for Debugging: When troubleshooting build issues, use KEEP_CONTAINER=y to inspect the environment.
  4. Mount Source Directories: For iterative development, mount your source directories to avoid copying files.
  5. Use Local Repos: When testing with locally built dependencies, enable local repository support.

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Troubleshooting

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Container Creation Fails

Ensure Docker is running and you have necessary permissions: 
sudo systemctl status docker
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

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Build Dependencies Missing

Enable local repository or check upstream repos: 
sudo make containerized-rpmbuild ENABLE_REPO=y

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Changes Not Persisting

Only changes to SPECS/ are synced to the host. Other changes are ephemeral by design.

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