begin quoting Todd Walton as of Wed, Mar 23, 2005 at 07:26:54PM -0800:
> On Wed, 23 Mar 2005 17:01:11 -0800, Stewart Stremler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> wrote:
> > Most of the "no dependency" situations seem to be "let's install
> > everything", just in case. I find it philosophically objectionable
> > to _rely_ on that, as a developer, even if it may appear to be the
> > prudent course as a user.
>
> Hear hear. If a dependency is optional, and I can't exercise my
> option, then something is wrong.
Some developers/packagers take the easy way out and make all dependencies
required. It may be optional in theory -- the program runs fine without
the "dependency", modulo the stuff implemented by the "optional" piece
(e.g. python/perl/tcl support in xchat)... but you, the user, don't get
to make that choice without a fair bit of effort on your part.
It's a rather underhanded thing to do, IMNSHO.
> > Why did they not ship the libraries with the product, or make them
> > available to you?
>
> A good question. I think I'll ask. If you were running an open
> source project, would you host the dependencies on your site? Or what
> would you do?
I'd make available the copies that I'm using, with pointers to where the
"up to date" versions are.
(Licenses permitting.)
So the download page might be something like:
Project XYZ:
Release 1.0.3 - link: source-tarball-1-0-3.tgz
link: support1-tarball-1-1.tgz link: support-1-homepage
link: support2-tarball-3-1.tgz link: support-2-homepage
link: support3-tarball-8-3.tgz link: support-3-homepage
link: everything-1-0-3.tgz
Release 1.0.0 - link: source-tarball-1-0-0.tgz
link: support1-tarball-1-1.tgz
link: support2-tarball-3-0.tgz
link: support3-tarball-8-3.tgz
Release 0.9.2 - link: source-tarball-0-9-2.tgz
link: support1-tarball-1-1.tgz
link: support2-tarball-3-0.tgz
link: support3-tarball-7-2.tgz
Release 0.8.7 - link: source-tarball-0-8-7.tgz
link: support1-tarball-1-0.tgz
link: support2-tarball-2-5.tgz
link: support3-tarball-3-0.tgz
Release 0.4.3 - link: source-tarball-0-4-3.tgz
link: support1-tarball-0-9.tgz
link: support2-tarball-2-4.tgz
Release 0.4.0 - link: source-tarball-0-4-0.tgz
link: support1-tarball-0-9.tgz
link: support2-tarball-2-1.tgz
etc. etc.
At this level of effort, disk is _cheap_.
I would also probably offer to mirror the "official" release site
as well, especially for key supporting packages. Not only does this
make it easier on someone wanting to use my stuff, it also helps to
protect me from orphaned packages, network problems (support package
exceeds bandwidth or connection allocation, backhoes, censorship...)
If I ever end up writing any worthwhile GST code, I'd probably include
a snapshot of the latest (working) version of GST source somewhere as
well.
> > Those who choose to avoid the ruts get a bumpier ride.
>
> It's worth it.
Heh.
There is the broad, paved path to the left, and the twisty grassy track
straight ahead, and to the right, a narrow trail, festooned with thorns...
-Stewart "Apparently I have this thing about windmills." Stremler
--
[email protected]
http://www.kernel-panic.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/kplug-list
