On Tue, Jan 30, 2001 at 11:38:16AM -0800, Darrell May <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
> I have made custom modifications to the following files:
>
> /etc/e-smith/web/panels/manager/html/initial.html
> /etc/e-smith/web/functions/backup
OK, the first questions are why and what changes did you make?
> My question is what is the best way to preserve these changes so that
> e-smith updates do not overwrite these two standard e-smith files? I tried
> reviewing the 'Customizing the system' doco but it only mentions 'extending
> the user interface' not modifying existing panels/functions.
We do not currently have a mechanism for this. These files are part of the
e-smith code base. We have to be very selective about changes which are
made to that code base. We want to actively encourage enhancements and
(of course) fixes, but we must be able to uniquely define the state
of the system so as to provide support. That's why we're picky about RPM
version numbers, release tags, etc.
> I fully realize that the initial.html and backup function script may change
> by e-smith over time so of course I would always perform a fresh install to
> a non-production machine, check these files for new additions but if there
> is no change to these when upgrading servers at client sites I would want to
> preserve the custom files already installed if possible.
This is tricky both technically and to maintain a strong hold on what
consistitutes an e-smith release. We want 'e-smith 4.1' to uniquely define
a set of e-smith supported software. Additions and customisations which
do not conflict with our released code are fine (e.g. templates-custom), but
we need to discuss modifications to our code base.
> I realize this is only two files (for now) and can be all easily handled
> manually. Just wondering if there is any type of template-custom mechanism
> that could be employed?
I'm sure there are ways to look at this, but we'd need to know more about
what you are trying to do to work out the appropriate way to provide this.
Gordon
--
Gordon Rowell [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.e-smith.org (development) http://www.e-smith.com (corporate)
Phone: +1 (613) 564 8000 ext. 4378 Fax: +1 (613) 564 7739
e-smith, inc. 1500-150 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1P1 Canada
