Smart API: benefits All package tools use the same interface to packing-lists all the information is exposed. Tools can grab whatever they want. Full semantic information everything relevant to a file/other object is there and can be used. During a package addition, there's a single instance of pkg_add. doesn't have to rescan /var/db/pkg. just needs to keep its internal information synchronized. The same information can be used by validation checkers. same API, exact same semantic info as pkg_add