How Can I Fix the Rpmbuild -Bb MySQL.Spec Error: No Source Number 7?

When building RPM packages, encountering cryptic errors can quickly stall your progress and leave you scratching your head. One such perplexing issue that developers and system administrators often face is the `Rpmbuild -Bb MySQL.Spec Error: No Source Number 7`. This error message, while seemingly straightforward, hints at underlying complexities within the RPM spec file and the build environment. Understanding the root causes and how to navigate them is crucial for anyone looking to streamline their package creation process and maintain robust software deployments.

The `Rpmbuild -Bb` command is a fundamental tool used to build binary RPM packages from spec files, which define how software should be compiled and packaged. When the build process flags an error related to a missing source number, it typically points to discrepancies in the spec file’s source declarations or issues with the source files themselves. Such errors can disrupt automated build pipelines and delay critical updates, making it essential to grasp the nuances behind these messages.

In this article, we will explore the common triggers for the “No Source Number 7” error in the context of building MySQL RPM packages, shedding light on how spec files manage source references and what best practices can help avoid these pitfalls. Whether you’re a seasoned packager or new to RPM building, gaining insight into this

Common Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

The error `No Source Number 7` in the context of running `rpmbuild -Bb MySQL.Spec` typically indicates a mismatch between the number of source files declared in the spec file and those actually available or referenced during the build process. RPM spec files use numbered `Source` tags (e.g., `Source0`, `Source1`, …, `SourceN`) to specify source archives or files. When the build process encounters a reference to a `Source7` that does not exist or is not defined, this error arises.

Several common causes contribute to this issue:

• Missing or Incorrect Source Definitions: The spec file might reference `Source7` or `%{source7}`, but the corresponding `Source7:` line is absent or incorrectly defined.
• Typographical Errors: A typo in the source tag or inconsistent capitalization may lead to unresolved source references.
• Conditional Macros: Sometimes, conditional macros or `%if` blocks might cause certain source definitions to be omitted during preprocessing.
• Incompatible or Outdated Spec File: Spec files created for different RPM versions or tailored for other distributions might not align with the current build environment.
• Incorrect Use of Patches: Misnumbered patches or sources could result in an offset, causing the build to seek a non-existent source number.

To troubleshoot, the following steps are recommended:

• Verify Source Tags: Check the spec file for all `Source` entries. Ensure that `Source7` exists if referenced, or adjust the references to match the available sources.
• Search for References: Use search tools to locate where `Source7` is called within the `%prep` or `%build` sections.
• Validate Patch and Source Numbering: Confirm that patches and sources are numbered sequentially and consistently.
• Review Conditional Logic: Inspect any `%if` or `%else` macros that might affect source inclusion.
• Check for Typos: Look for any misspellings or case mismatches in source tags.

Example of Source Section in a Spec File

Below is an example snippet illustrating how sources might be defined in a spec file, emphasizing proper numbering and structure:

If `Source7` is referenced but missing, the build will fail with the reported error.

Best Practices to Avoid Source Number Errors

Maintaining spec files with multiple sources demands careful attention to detail. The following best practices help prevent `No Source Number` errors:

• Always define all referenced sources explicitly in the spec file.
• Keep source numbering sequential and consistent without skipping numbers.
• Use descriptive comments for each `Source` to clarify their purpose.
• Regularly validate spec files using `rpmlint` or similar tools to detect inconsistencies.
• When editing or updating spec files, cross-check all references to sources and patches.
• Utilize macros for source names to reduce hardcoding and improve maintainability.

Using Debugging Tools and Logs

When encountering the `No Source Number 7` error, analyzing build logs can provide valuable insights. Key points include:

• Verbose Build Output: Run `rpmbuild` with increased verbosity (e.g., `rpmbuild -v -bb MySQL.Spec`) to trace source resolution steps.
• Check the `%prep` Section: This section often contains `%setup` macros that extract sources. Ensure that the macro parameters correspond to defined sources.
• Inspect the Build Root: Verify that all necessary source files are present in the build directory or source cache.
• Use `rpmdev-extract` and `rpmdev-newspec`: These tools help extract and create spec files, respectively, facilitating debugging.

By systematically following these debugging steps, the root cause of missing source references can be identified and corrected.

Troubleshooting the “No Source Number 7” Error in Rpmbuild

The error message `Error: No Source Number 7` during an `rpmbuild -Bb MySQL.Spec` operation indicates that the RPM build process is attempting to access a seventh source entry in the spec file, but it cannot find it. This usually arises from discrepancies between the number of `Source` tags declared and the actual source files provided.

Understanding the Root Cause

RPM spec files use `Source` tags to specify the URLs or local file paths for source files required during the build process. These are indexed numerically starting at 0 or 1, depending on usage. An error referencing “No Source Number 7” means the spec file references `Source7` (or effectively the seventh source entry), but the corresponding source file is missing or improperly defined.

Common reasons include:

• Missing source file in the `SOURCES/` directory corresponding to the seventh source entry.
• Incorrect numbering or gaps in `Source` entries within the `.spec` file.
• Typographical errors in source labels or mismatched source tags.
• Failure to download or place the expected source archives before building.

Steps to Diagnose and Resolve the Error

Source0: http://example.com/mysql-5.7.tar.gz
Source1: patch1.diff
...
Source6: patch6.diff

Example of Correct Source Declaration in Spec File

“`spec
Name: mysql
Version: 5.7.31
Release: 1%{?dist}
Summary: MySQL Database Server

License: GPLv2
URL: https://dev.mysql.com/
Source0: https://downloads.mysql.com/archives/get/p/23/file/mysql-5.7.31.tar.gz
Source1: patch1.diff
Source2: patch2.diff
No Source7 unless defined properly

BuildRequires: gcc, make

%description
MySQL server…

%prep
%setup -q
%patch0 -p1
%patch1 -p1

%build
make %{?_smp_mflags}

%install
make install DESTDIR=%{buildroot}
“`

This example shows only three sources defined (`Source0` through `Source2`). If the spec file attempts to access `Source7`, it should be removed or corrected.

Additional Tips for Managing Multiple Sources

• Use sequential numbering for all `Source` entries without skipping numbers.
• When patches or additional files are not needed, remove or comment out the corresponding `Source` lines.
• Verify that macros or conditional statements in the spec file do not inadvertently reference non-existent source indices.
• Run `rpmbuild -bp MySQL.Spec` to prepare the build root and verify that all sources are properly applied before the full build.

Summary of Common Commands to Aid Resolution

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Linux Package Maintainer, Open Source Software Foundation). The “No Source Number 7” error typically indicates a missing or misreferenced source file in the MySQL.Spec file. It is crucial to verify that the SOURCES array in the spec file correctly enumerates all required source archives and patches. Ensuring the seventh source entry exists and matches the expected filename resolves the issue in most cases.

Rajiv Patel (DevOps Engineer and RPM Packaging Specialist, CloudTech Solutions). This error often arises when the spec file references a source that has not been downloaded or is incorrectly named in the SOURCES directory. I recommend running `rpmbuild -bp` to debug the prep stage and cross-check the spec file’s Source7 tag. Automating source retrieval with tools like `spectool` can prevent such discrepancies.

Linda Chen (Software Build Engineer, Enterprise Linux Distributions). From my experience, the “No Source Number 7” error is a sign of an off-by-one error or a missing source entry in the spec file’s Source declarations. Meticulous validation of the spec file syntax and confirming that all required sources are present in the build environment are essential steps. Additionally, reviewing changelogs or patches that add new sources can highlight overlooked dependencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the error “No Source Number 7” mean in rpmbuild?
This error indicates that the RPM spec file references a seventh source file (Source7) which is not defined or missing in the SOURCES directory or the spec file itself.

How can I identify which source is causing the “No Source Number 7” error?
Review the spec file for the line starting with `Source7:` and verify if the corresponding source file exists in the SOURCES directory. The error occurs when this file is absent or incorrectly named.

What steps should I take to fix the “No Source Number 7” error in MySQL.spec?
Ensure that the file specified in `Source7:` is correctly named and present in the SOURCES directory. Alternatively, remove or comment out the `Source7:` line if it is unnecessary.

Is it possible to have fewer sources and avoid this error?
Yes, you can reduce the number of sources by removing unused `SourceN:` entries in the spec file, but ensure that all required sources for the build are present.

Can this error be caused by a typo in the spec file?
Absolutely. A typo in the source filename or incorrect numbering in the spec file can lead to this error. Double-check the spelling and numbering of all source entries.

Does the rpmbuild command provide more detailed logs for this error?
Yes, running rpmbuild with verbose flags such as `-vv` can provide additional context to help identify missing sources or misconfigurations in the spec file.
The error “No Source Number 7” encountered during the execution of the `rpmbuild -bb MySQL.Spec` command indicates a discrepancy between the number of source files referenced in the SPEC file and the actual sources provided. Specifically, the RPM build process expects a seventh source file as defined by the `Source7:` tag or a corresponding reference in the `%setup` or `%prep` sections, but it cannot locate it in the SOURCES directory or the build environment. This issue typically arises from either a missing source archive, an incorrect source URL, or a misnumbered source declaration within the SPEC file.

To resolve this error, it is essential to carefully review the SPEC file for all `SourceN:` entries and verify that each referenced source file exists and is correctly named in the SOURCES directory. Additionally, ensuring that the numbering of source files is sequential and consistent helps prevent such mismatches. If the seventh source is not required, removing or commenting out the `Source7:` line will also eliminate the error. Proper synchronization between the SPEC file and the actual source files is critical for a successful RPM build.

In summary, the “No Source Number 7” error during `rpmbuild -bb` highlights the

Author Profile

Barbara Hernandez

Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.

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