Support for apturl syntax across Ubuntu applications

Registered by Artem Popov

Support for apturl across Ubuntu applications, messengers in particular. A very handy feature (especially for support conversations), because instead of explaining someone the usage of sudo commands and/or synaptic to install a package, you only have to type an apturl link, like "apt:ubuntu-desktop".

Blueprint information

Status:
Started
Approver:
None
Priority:
Undefined
Drafter:
None
Direction:
Needs approval
Assignee:
None
Definition:
New
Series goal:
None
Implementation:
Started
Milestone target:
None
Started by
Artem Popov

Whiteboard

I think implementing this is an important security measure. We need to establish an expectation amongst Ubuntu users, like Windows and Mac users already have, that you shouldn't accept terminal commands *or* sweets from strangers. Making apt: work everywhere is a big step towards that. -- mpt

Epiphany: ?
Evolution: ?
Firefox 3.0: bug 183597
gnome-terminal: bug 217611. patch available, effectively adding support for irssi
Konqueror and KDE: bug 227622
Kopete: in progress
Konversation: in progress
Launchpad: bug 179868
Pidgin: patch available, bug 217611
Quassel: ?
Ubuntu Forums: works, verified here http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=759317
Ubuntu wiki: bug 226054
xchat-gnome: fixed, bug 217611
xchat: also patched through the same bug
XFCE: does not have an established URL infrastructure, but relies on gnome-open as a fallback in libexo

Debian policy: Package names must consist only of lower case letters (a-z), digits (0-9), plus (+) and minus (-) signs, and periods (.). They must be at least two characters long and must start with an alphanumeric character.

Suggested regular expression for apturls - apt:(//)?[a-z0-9][-+.a-z0-9]+

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If we want this to work everywhere, could it be achieved via gvfs with the occasional workaround for programs like Firefox? --DylanMcCall. Tuesday, 18 November 2008

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It's already achieved GNOME-wise and KDE-wise (via GConf and KDE infrastructure (see linked branch)). Now we need to make specific programs to treat "apt:package" links like appropriate URLs. The linked bug 217611 already includes patches for some of 'em --artfwo, 19 November 2008

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URL for this blueprint should be https://wiki.ubuntu.com/AptUrl/ToMigrate

(?)

Work Items

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