3.4.1.2. Explanation of Syntax

+3.4.1.2. Explanation of Syntax

+ As mentioned in the previous section, the + LIC_FILES_CHKSUM variable lists all the + important files that contain the license text for the source code. + It is possible to specify a checksum for an entire file, or a specific section of a + file (specified by beginning and ending line numbers with the "beginline" and "endline" + parameters, respectively). + The latter is useful for source files with a license notice header, + README documents, and so forth. + If you do not use the "beginline" parameter, then it is assumed that the text begins on the + first line of the file. + Similarly, if you do not use the "endline" parameter, it is assumed that the license text + ends with the last line of the file. +

+ The "md5" parameter stores the md5 checksum of the license text. + If the license text changes in any way as compared to this parameter + then a mismatch occurs. + This mismatch triggers a build failure and notifies the developer. + Notification allows the developer to review and address the license text changes. + Also note that if a mismatch occurs during the build, the correct md5 + checksum is placed in the build log and can be easily copied to the recipe. +

+ There is no limit to how many files you can specify using the + LIC_FILES_CHKSUM variable. + Generally, however, every project requires a few specifications for license tracking. + Many projects have a "COPYING" file that stores the license information for all the source + code files. + This practice allows you to just track the "COPYING" file as long as it is kept up to date. +

Tip

+ If you specify an empty or invalid "md5" parameter, BitBake returns an md5 mis-match + error and displays the correct "md5" parameter value during the build. + The correct parameter is also captured in the build log. +

Tip

+ If the whole file contains only license text, you do not need to use the "beginline" and + "endline" parameters. +