Repository format/metadata/layout.conf

The metadata/layout.conf file is a file describing global properties of a repository.

File format

The file consists of a number of key-value pairs, one pair per line, with the two separated by =. Comment lines start with #.

Filemetadata/layout.confAn example showing the format of the file

key1 = value1
# comment
key2 = value2

Possible keys

masters

The masters key specifies a list of master repositories for this particular repository. Whenever installing an ebuild from the particular repository, package manager can use eclasses from the master repositories.

The most common example is a repository (overlay) which provides additional packages for Gentoo. Such a package uses eclasses from the gentoo repository.

Filemetadata/layout.confAn example for repository relying on gentoo eclasses

masters = gentoo

A particular repository may have more than a single masters entry. These are not inherited over repositories.

Filemetadata/layout.confAn example for repository relying on two other repositories

masters = python gentoo

Finally, a stand-alone repository like gentoo should provide an empty masters list. This means that all eclasses used by packages in that repository must be found in that repository.

Filemetadata/layout.confAn example for a stand-alone repository

masters =

sign-commits

If enabled, the commits made in this repository will be signed.

Filemetadata/layout.confEnabling commit signing

sign-commits = true

This applies only to git repositories. It requires git 1.7.9 or newer.

The key used to sign commits can be set through:

user $ git config user.signingkey <keyid>

sign-manifests

Enabled by default. If enabled, the Manifest files will be signed whenever committing to this repository from a GPG-enabled client.

Filemetadata/layout.confDisabling Manifest signing

sign-manifests = false

In portage, the Manifest signing is enabled through FEATURES=sign.

thin-manifests

Disabled by default. If enabled, thin Manifests will be used inside the repository instead of the regular ones.

Filemetadata/layout.confEnabling thin Manifests

thin-manifests = true