Linux Software Map

Linux Software Map (LSM) is a standard text file format for describing Linux software. It also refers to the database constructed from these files. LSM is one of the standard methods for announcing a new software release for Linux.

File format

If a Linux program is to be distributed widely, an LSM file may be created to describe the program, normally in a file called software_package_name.lsm. This file begins with Begin4 and ends with End. It has one field on each line. The field name is separated from the value by a colon (:). Mandatory fields are Title, Version, Entered-date, Description, Author and Primary-site.

Example

Here is a what a blank LSM template looks like, at time of writing:

 Begin4
 Title:
 Version:
 Entered-date:
 Description:
 Keywords:
 Author:
 Maintained-by:
 Primary-site:
 Alternate-site:
 Original-site:
 Platforms:
 Copying-policy:
 End

Database

The collective database of LSM entries can be searched in order to locate software of a particular type. This database has passed through various owners. It was created by Jeff Kopmanis, Lars Wirzenius maintained it for a while, and now the current maintainer is Aaron Schrab (with help from volunteers).

The database can be downloaded in its entirety, or one can perform limited queries using a web interface.

External links

• LSM template version 4 on ibiblio.org
• Entire LSM Database
• Web interface maintained by Thomas Boutell
• Simple LSM Search on ibiblio.org
• Advanced LSM Search on ibiblio.org
• Instructions for New Entries