Overview of the Distribution Constructor

The distribution constructor is a command-line tool for building preconfigured, bootable OpenSolaris^TM images. In the OpenSolaris 2008.11 release, this tool takes an XML manifest file as input, and builds an ISO image that is based on the parameters specified in the manifest file. Optionally, a USB image can be created, based on the generated ISO image.

The image created by the distribution constructor by using the default configuration file is comparable to the Live CD image that's distributed as the OpenSolaris 2008.11 release. However, you can modify the content of the ISO image, selecting and adding additional packages to the image. You can also revise the default settings for the resulting booted environment to create a custom, redistributable ISO image or USB image.

The simplest scenario is as follows:

• Setting up your system to meet the prerequisite requirements. See System Requirements.

• Adding the required parameters manually in the manifest file. See Editing the Manifest File.

• Running the distro_const utility to create the image. See Creating an Image.

This guide provides instructions for this basic scenario plus instructions for optional customizations.