• OpenVMS VSP Overview: OpenVMS' 47-year-old system now has a package manager (VSP). It simplifies package management with simple commands like DOWNLOAD and INSTALL, replacing manual processes. It has features like package search and one-click installations, and accesses the VSI service portal's centralized repository.
• Installation Steps: Download the VSI-X86VMS-VSP-E0100-0-1 file from the VSI Service Portal, copy it to OpenVMS, install SSL 111, and start the product installation using PRODUCT INSTALL VSP. Handle validation errors during installation by removing and re-zipping files if needed. Add VSP to SYLOGIN.COM after installation.
• Using VSP: Start VSP, log in with Service Portal credentials (saving login cookie), and use commands like LIST PRODUCTS to get available packages and list products /installed to list installed packages. Download packages with DOWNLOAD and install with INSTALL. It detects dependencies but doesn't automatically handle them; for example, installing the WebUI required manual installation of Lua and Civetweb dependencies.
• Dependency Management: VSP lacks automatic dependency resolution. Users need to handle dependencies manually by using the /INSTALL flag in the download command or searching for packages. Unlisted dependencies can be found using search support.
• Installing the C++ Compiler: Installing the C++ compiler with vsp> download /install VSI-X86VMS-CXX-A1001-3_250204-1 fails due to multiple PCSI files. The package contains an installer and a patch, and version checking is done during installation. It's suggested that the Software Portal repository / REST API use an extra manifest file for package dependencies and versions.
• Conclusion: VSP is in early beta with limitations like no automatic dependency resolution or update management. But it saves time by simplifying software installation. Future versions are hoped to improve dependency handling and bring OpenVMS package management closer to modern package managers.