This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to create, build, and upload a package to the Arch User Repository (AUR). Follow along to learn the entire process from setting up SSH keys to publishing your package.

Step 1: Set Up SSH Keys for AUR Access

Before you can push to the AUR, you need to set up SSH authentication.

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ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your.email@example.com"
eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"
ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_rsa
cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

Copy the output and add it to your AUR account under the SSH key section.

To verify SSH connectivity:

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ssh aur@aur.archlinux.org

If successful, you should see a welcome message.

Step 2: Create and Structure Your AUR Package

Now, create a directory for your package:

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mkdir carch
cd carch

Create the PKGBUILD file:

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touch PKGBUILD

Edit PKGBUILD with the following template:

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# Maintainer: Your Name <your.email@example.com>
pkgname="carch"
pkgver="1.0.0"
pkgrel=1
pkgdesc="A script to automate Arch Linux setup"
arch=('x86_64')
url="https://harilvfs.github.io/carch/"
license=('MIT')
depends=('bash' 'libnewt')
source=("https://github.com/yourusername/carch/releases/download/v$pkgver/carch"
        "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yourusername/carch/main/carch.desktop")
sha256sums=('SKIP' 'SKIP')

package() {
    install -Dm755 "$srcdir/carch" "$pkgdir/usr/bin/carch"
    install -Dm644 "$srcdir/carch.desktop" "$pkgdir/usr/share/applications/carch.desktop"
}

Step 3: Generate .SRCINFO

Generate the .SRCINFO file:

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makepkg --printsrcinfo > .SRCINFO

Step 4: Initialize Git and Push to AUR

Now, initialize the Git repository and push the package to AUR.

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git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial release of Carch"
git remote add aur ssh://aur@aur.archlinux.org/carch.git
git push aur master

Step 5: Install and Test the AUR Package

Once your package is uploaded, install it using an AUR helper like yay or paru:

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yay -S carch

Or manually clone and build:

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git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/carch.git
cd carch
makepkg -si

Additional Notes

• If you update your package, bump the pkgver, regenerate .SRCINFO, commit, and push the changes.
• Use makepkg -cf to test builds before uploading.
• Ensure all dependencies are correctly listed.