PKGBASE Removes FreeBSD Base System Feature

From: vermaden <vermaden_at_interia.pl>
Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:28:35 UTC
Hi,

after short discussion here:
- https://github.com/freebsd/pkg/issues/2485

I got REALLY concerned.

One of THE features and selling points of a FreeBSD UNIX system is the 'untouchable' Base System.

Without PKGBASE all the features are preserved.

But when You convert to PKGBASE its ... GONE!

Consider this command:

# pkg delete -af

What it does?

It removes all third party packages on 'classic' FreeBSD system without touching the FreeBSD Base System.

What the same "pkg delete -af" command does on a PKGBASE FreeBSD system?

It kills/destroys almost all of the FreeBSD Base System and leaves only two PKGBASE packages called:

- FreeBSD-clibs
- FreeBSD-runtime

All the rest of Base System is GONE. Destroyed.

You do not even have vi(1) editor ad /rescue is separate not protected FreeBSD-rescue package and its also removed.

WTF?!

POLA is the principle that made FreeBSD such predictable system. Where is the POLA now?

Why the same *pkg delete -af* command on 'classic' FreeBSD system without PKGBASE only removes all third party packages and the same *pkg delete -af* literally destroys most of the FreeBSD PKGBASE Base System?

Its crazy ...

Regards,
vermaden