=======================================
Using cross-platform "noarch" packages
=======================================


As of Anaconda Repository version 2.6.0, your Repository
supports conda "noarch" packages that contain no operating
system-specific files.

The conda build system allows you to specify "no architecture"
when building a package, so it is compatible with all
platforms and architectures. Noarch packages from your Repository
instance can be downloaded and installed on any platform.

NOTE: Noarch packages are not compatible with Anaconda
constructor. If you intend to use the packages with Anaconda
constructor, build the packages for specific operating systems.


Building noarch packages
========================

To specify a noarch build, use the ``noarch`` key in the ``build``
section of your conda recipe's ``meta.yaml`` file::

  build:
	noarch: generic

See the conda documentation for full information on `noarch packages
<https://conda.io/docs/user-guide/tasks/build-packages/define-metadata.html#architecture-independent-packages>`_.

Additional examples can be found in the
`conda-recipes <https://github.com/conda/conda-recipes>`_
repository on github.

Uploading noarch packages
=========================

You can upload noarch packages to Repository in the same manner
as any other package::

  anaconda upload babel

Noarch packages are identified on Repository by a cross-platform icon:

.. figure:: /img/noarch_example.png
   :height: 377px

   ..

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