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+dpkg functional test-suite
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+How to run
+----------
+
+There's a brief usage information when invoking “make” on the topdir.
+
+You probably want to use something like eatmydata to run the tests, it
+affects the performance significantly.
+
+To test the tools from the dpkg build-tree, use the «test» target. If you
+want instead to test the installed programs use the «installtest» target
+
+The DPKG_TESTSUITE_OPTIONS environment/make variable can be used to change
+the behavior of the test runs, the following options are currently
+supported:
+
+* as-root
+
+  WARNING: This runs the tests in privileged mode, and will write to your
+  current root filesystem. If you are uncertain of the consequences, run
+  it at least on a chroot, or isolated in a virtual machine.
+
+* test-all
+
+  This runs all tests, including manual and failing ones.
+
+* debug
+
+  This makes dpkg print lots of debug output.
+
+The configuration file ‘.pkg-tests.conf’ can be used to set permanent
+parameters. For example:
+
+  ,-- .pkg-tests.conf --
+  |DPKG_TESTSUITE_OPTIONS := debug
+  `--
+
+Test-suite layout
+-----------------
+
+The tests are split into logical units, testing a specific characteristic.
+To add a new test please check Test.mk and Makefile on the topdir, and some
+of the current tests. Patches welcome!
+
+Future plans
+------------
+
+There's lots of tests that are still missing, we are adding new ones when
+we stumble over regressions, when adding new functionality, and as time
+permits for existing functionality.
+
+The idea is for this to progressively be integrated into the autotools
+autotest suite under src/at/, and be run as part of “make check”. Some
+changes to dpkg would need to be implemented first.