[abchr.git] / README.MD

# abchr

There are various build chains surrounding Alpine. Most solutions use
containerization, QEMU, and other technologies; meanwhile I just wanted a
simple way to build packages and install development utilities without shitting
up my production system. `abchr` is an attempt to create a simple solution to
my simple problem. It isn't very flexible, requires root access for chroot, and
won't allow you to (easily) build for multiarch, but it works.

## Installation

1. Create a directory and 3 subdirectories named `bin`, `alpine`, and `aports`.
   Your tree should look like this:
    ```
    + abchr
      + bin
      + alpine
      + aports
    ```
2. Clone the repo to the `bin` directory.
3. Run `abchr-newchroot $(id -u)` to populate the `alpine` directory with a new
   installation of Alpine Linux. This processes downloads the latest
   `apk-tools-static` into the chroot and installs the basic packages necessary
   for a build environment. It also creates a user in the chroot with its UID
   set to the first argument of the script. Having this be your own UID is
   optimal as it lets you manupulate the chroot files easily.
4. To ensure everything worked, run `abchr abuild -h`. You should see the help
   text for `abuild`, which should be installed in the chroot.

## Usage

The `abchr` command simply sets up the chroot and starts whatever program is
specified in the arguments as-is. There are some exceptions, meant for ease-of-
use; run `abchr -h` to see what the script is capable of.