=== `prep.py`
This contains functions that download the base tarball releases, preps them for <<code_bchroot_py_code>>, builds necessary directory structures, and performs the overlay preparations.

==== dirChk(_conf_)
This function creates extra directories if needed.

===== conf
See <<conf>>.

==== downloadTarball(_conf_)
This function downloads the tarball (<<code_mirrorfile_code>>) from the <<code_mirror_code>>, and performs verifications (SHA1 and GPG signature <<code_mirrorgpgsig_code,if enabled>>). Returns the full/absolute path to the downloaded tarball.

===== conf
See <<conf>>.

==== unpackTarball(_tarball_path_, _build_, _keep_ = False)
This function extracts the tarball downloaded via <<downloadtarball_em_conf_em,downloadTarball()>>.

===== tarball_path
The full/absolute path to the downloaded tarball.

===== build
See <<build>>.

===== keep
`True` or `False`. Whether we should keep the downloaded tarball after unpacking/extracting. If your upstream tarball changes often enough, it's recommended to set this to `False`. However, setting it to `True` can speed up the build process if you're on a slower Internet connection.

==== buildChroot(_conf_, _keep_ = False)
This incorporates <<downloadtarball_em_conf_em,donwloading>> and <<unpacktarball_em_tarball_path_em_em_build_em_em_keep_em_false,extracting>> into one function, as well as applying the <<pre_build_d>> directory (and the <<pre_build_d_2,pre-build.d templates>>).

===== conf
See <<conf>>.

===== keep
See <<keep>>.

==== prepChroot(_conf_)
Returns a modified/updated <<build>>. This function:

. Prepares some variables that <<changing_the_build_process,pre-build.sh>> needs inside the chroot(s)
. Builds <<version_info_txt_j2,the VERSION_INFO.txt file>>
. Updates the build number
. Imports the <<code_mygpgkey_code,signing GPG key>>

===== conf
See <<conf>>.

==== postChroot(_conf_)
This function applies the <<overlay_2>> directory (and the <<overlay,overlay templates>>).

===== conf
See <<conf>>.