====== Package ======

[[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:start|Go to Terms and Definitions]]

===== Discussion =====

A Package is a composite [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:a:artifact|Artifact]] assembled and distributed as an identifiable unit.

A Package may contain one or more Artifacts together with metadata needed to identify, verify, install, load, configure, or use the Package.

A Package commonly has:

  * name
  * version
  * producer or supplier
  * package format
  * manifest or other descriptive metadata
  * One or more dependencies
  * cryptographic digest
  * digital signature
  * Installation, loading, or use instructions

A Package may be produced internally or delivered by a third party.

Different versions of a Package constitute different managed versions of the same Package. A Package version may also have multiple [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:a:artifact_catalog_record|Artifact Representations]] for different operating systems, processor architectures, or package formats.

A Package remains distinct from a Bundle. A Package is independently identified and distributed as a unit, while a Bundle may assemble selected Packages and other Artifacts for a defined delivery, deployment, or operational purpose.

===== Definition =====

//composite Artifact assembled and distributed as an identifiable unit//

===== Source =====

Dido Solutions, Inc. and Jackrabbit Consulting, Inc.

===== Note =====

A Package is an Artifact, but not every Artifact is a Package.

A Package may contain other Artifacts without changing the identities of those Artifacts.

The term does not require a particular package manager, archive format, repository product, operating system, or implementation technology.

A Package stored or referenced by Crucible is described by an [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:a:artifact_catalog_record|Artifact Catalog Record]].

===== Example =====

A third-party PostgreSQL RPM containing executable files, software libraries, configuration content, dependency metadata, and installation information is a Package.

Separate RPMs (i.e., package manager) built for Red Hat Enterprise Linux on x86-64 and ARM64 are distinct Artifact Representations of the applicable Package version.

<WRAP centeralign> © 2026 Dido Solutions, Inc. and Jackrabbit Consulting, Inc. </WRAP>