brook@biology.nmsu.edu wrote:
> I am working on some packages that provide their own versions of
> certain libraries that are also in pkgsrc.  Is it generally preferable
> to build such packages with the internally supplied libraries or with
> external dependencies on the rest of pkgsrc?
> 

Hi Brook,

I've come across this myself and I'd typically recommend using the 
package in pkgsrc as a dependency if it already exists.  It will make 
your life easier as you can use things like the buildlink3 framework to 
make sure your program spots all the right libraries/headers etc. in the 
right places.

But you can often get bitten when a developer will grab a piece of 
software they need, hack it, and then pack it in with their software. 
If you depend on the pkgsrc version you may miss any custom hacks they 
have done.

Also watch out for strict dependencies where a piece of software will 
need an _exact_ version of a dependent package.  Just make sure you 
specify your DEPENDS and/or BUILDLINK_DEPENDS.* correctly.

HTH,

adrian.