Re: Trying to understand base system packages

Graham Perrin <[email protected]>
Newsgroups gmane.os.freebsd.questions
Message-ID <[email protected]>
On 11/02/2026 09:40, Mathias M. wrote:
>> …
> As a random, long time FreeBSD user:
> Those 'advantages' elude me and are anything but clear.
>
> But maybe that's just me, …


It's not just you :-)

Traditional freebsd-update is not compatible with STABLE or CURRENT.

base packages are not so limited. They exist for 14 RELEASE, 14 STABLE, 
15 RELEASE, 15 STABLE, and 16.0-CURRENT.

With traditional/legacy distribution sets (tar archives): it's 
relatively difficult to reinstall the OS.

With base packages: it's relatively easy to reinstall.

<https://freebsdfoundation.org/blog/freebsd-15-why-youll-want-it/> lists 
four bullet points, one of which is about STABLE and CURRENT, and 
"… more flexibility in keeping systems minimal, consistent, and up to 
date.".

Advantages exist, but are not well-documented.
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