Your message dated Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:37:54 -0400
with message-id <tsld1lxeep9....@mit.edu>
and subject line Re: Bug#830978: Browserified javascript and DFSG 2
has caused the Debian Bug report #830978,
regarding Browserified javascript and DFSG 2
to be marked as done.

This means that you claim that the problem has been dealt with.
If this is not the case it is now your responsibility to reopen the
Bug report if necessary, and/or fix the problem forthwith.

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830978: http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=830978
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--- Begin Message ---
package: tech-ctte

Background: Javascript on the server (with nodejs) uses modules to split
libraries, but using the same on browser requires combining these
modules to single file.

DFSG Section 2 [1] gives requirement for source code

"Source Code

The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in
source code as well as compiled form."

Browserified files are readable and editable javascript files. I believe
this meets DFSG 2 requirements. Someone who is familiar with javascript
can easily modify and run modified versions.

Some believe this is not enough and the tool required to browserify
should be in debian so we can integrate patches from upstream and also
send patches upstream (they expect patches against original split module
instead of the browserified file). [2][3][4].

The tool required for browserifying is grunt and it has long chain of
dependencies and has not been packaged yet.[5] Those who care about the
issue should help package grunt instead of using DFSG as a way of
blocking perfectly Free Software (with ability to use, modify, share and
distribute changes), albeit with some extra effort to port patches.

I agree with the concern, but not with the severity. I think the
severity should be 'important', instead of 'serious'.

I consider the situation as simliar to maintaining an older release or
forking (wodim for example) or a hostile upstream that does not want
their software packaged at all (like diaspora). In all those cases
upstream will not accept a patch against the version shipped in debian
and will need extra work to adapt the patches to latest vcs tree.

I don't think preferred format of upstream to accept patches should not
be a criteria to keep a package away from main.

I request CTTE to make a ruling on this issue.

Thanks
Praveen

[1] https://www.debian.org/social_contract
[2] https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=817092
[3] https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2016/07/msg00238.html
[4] https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2016/07/msg00255.html
[5] https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=673727


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--- Begin Message ---

At today's meeting the technical committee decided to close this issue.

My understanding of our rationale is as follows:

The FTP team is responsible for determining if a package meets the
requirements of DFSG, including whether the source code meets the
conditions of DFSG #2:

2. Source Code
       The program must include source code, and must allow distribution
       in source code as well as compiled form.

The Release team is responsible for determining whether a particular bug
is release critical.  The Release team has decided that compliance with
the DFSG is release critical and has deferred the determination of DFSG
compliance to the FTP team [1]

[1] https://lists.debian.org/016cfb0b-076a-9f8f-3b4b-7d3190e5c...@debian.org

With regard to the particular issue of Browserified javascript,
particularly in the libjs-handlebars package, the best way forward is
for the submitter to discuss the question with the FTP team.  Such a
discussion would be less confusing if it took place after #830986 is
resolved.

In accordance with another discussion today, any member of the project
can reopen the bug and ask for a formal vote.
In this instance, I'd recommend reading the logs of the meeting before doing 
that.

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