Fixes #259

Description:

This pull request introduces support for building musllinux wheels, enabling users on Alpine Linux and other musl-based systems to install timezonefinder without the need for compiling from source. It also adds a testing script to verify the package's compatibility with Alpine Linux.

Changes Introduced:

1. Updated pyproject.toml:

   • Added cibuildwheel as a development dependency.
   • This facilitates building wheels for multiple platforms, including musllinux wheels.

2. Added GitHub Actions Workflow make-musllinux-wheels:

   • Created a new workflow to build musllinux wheels using cibuildwheel.
   • The workflow targets Python versions 3.8 to 3.12, matching the package's supported Python versions.
   • Musllinux wheels are now automatically built and can be uploaded during the release process.

3. Updated poetry.lock:

   • Reflects changes made to pyproject.toml by updating the lock file.
   • Ensures that all dependencies are correctly locked for reproducible builds.

4. Added Testing Script test_musllinux_wheel.sh:

   • Introduced a script to test the musllinux wheels in an Alpine Linux Docker container.
   • Automates the process of verifying that the wheels work correctly on musl-based systems.
   • Instructions for using the script are included in the updated contributing guide.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Compatibility:

  • Users on Alpine Linux and other musl-based distributions can install pre-built wheels.
  • Eliminates the need for users to compile the package from source, which can be challenging due to compilation dependencies.

• Improved Developer Experience:

  • Simplifies the process for contributors to test the package on musl-based systems.
  • Encourages wider testing and adoption by providing easy-to-use tools.

• Automated Builds:

  • Ensures that musllinux wheels are consistently built and available with each release.
  • Reduces manual effort required to produce and distribute wheels for different environments.

Testing Performed:

• Built musllinux Wheels:

  • Successfully built musllinux wheels for Python versions 3.8 to 3.12 using the updated GitHub Actions workflow.

• Verified Functionality:

  • Used the test_musllinux_wheel.sh script to install and test the musllinux wheels in an Alpine Linux Docker container.
  • Confirmed that the package installs without errors and functions correctly by returning the expected timezone data.

Request for Review (Nov 23):

I kindly request the maintainers to review these changes. The addition of musllinux wheel support and the testing script should enhance the usability of timezonefinder for users on musl-based systems and streamline the development process for contributors.

Please let me know if there are any questions or if further adjustments are needed. I'm happy to collaborate to ensure these changes align with the project's goals and standards.

Request for Review (Nov 25):

I have made the requested changes based on your feedback:

• Combined the Wheel-Building Jobs:

  • Merged the make-wheels and make-musllinux-wheels jobs into a single make-wheels job.
  • The job now builds both manylinux and musllinux wheels using [email protected].

• Ensured Code Consistency:

  • Both manylinux and musllinux wheels are built using the same cibuildwheel action and configuration.

• Defined Python Versions Globally:

  • Introduced a global environment variable CIBW_BUILD_VERSIONS to specify the supported Python versions, right now it's Python 3.8 to 3.13.
  • Now, the Python versions only need to be updated in one place, preventing inconsistencies.

Please review the updated changes. I believe these adjustments enhance the build process and align with the project's goals. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like me to adjust. I'm happy to collaborate to ensure these changes meet your expectations.

Request for Review (Nov 29):

I have addressed the issue based on the feedback, where the musllinux builds failed due to the use of yum, which is unavailable in musllinux (Alpine-based) images.

Changes:

• Updated build.yml to use apk add for musllinux builds instead of yum.
• Introduced separate pre-build commands for manylinux (yum) and musllinux (apk) to ensure compatibility with their respective environments.

These changes ensure that the musllinux builds work seamlessly, allowing the project to support musl-based systems effectively. The relevant changes for this issue are included in commit bd26666.

Please review the updates. I believe these changes further improve the build process and enhance compatibility for timezonefinder. Let me know if there are any questions or additional feedback!

Thank you for considering this contribution!