I'm writing some software for Linux that I'd like to make freely available for others on my webpage. Its image processing software specific for astronomy. I'm not at all experienced with packaging and distributing code. So here's my main question:
My code requires the libpng and libtiff libraries. How should I handle this? Should I package these libraries with my own code and distribute it together? I assume a better approach would be to package my code separately and then tell any user they need to have the libtiff and libpng development libraries installed for their distro.
Also most other packages have a configure script. What's the best way to create this so that the user can just do the normal ./configure, make, make install.
I use Kdevelop but I'm pretty new to IDE's. In the past I was only programming for myself and therefore just typed up my code and used gcc.
I'm also considering a CVS type thing for my code so others can contribute and help with my deficiencies. Any recommendations on how to do this. I have my own server but I'm also aware there are sites that can host this for me. I have no prior experience with CVS but willing to learn.
Anyone know of a good beginners guide for these issues?
Thanks