Re: [gentoo-dev] Checking availability of a package from an ebuil d

[Dan Armak <danarmak@gentoo.org>]

On Wednesday 18 July 2001 17:47, you wrote:
> > No I mean when _writing_ an ebuild, I want it to do different
> > things based on
> > whether some packages are installed.
>
> But should you? I guess it really depends on the specifics of what you are
> doing, but as a general statement I think that an ebuild shouldn't make a
> decision on how to build a package based on the fact that I currently have
> something installed. I think the USE variables (plus the system you
> proposed earlier) are the Way.
>
> Let's say I install vorbis (to continue our earlier discussion) to play
> around with for a while but I don't set the USE for it. I decide I don't
> like it and unmerge it. In the meantime I've merged a bunch of audio
> utilities that have decided to build in vorbis support and now get snivelly
> because it's not there anymore.
>
> This may not be in the least applicable to the situation you are working
> on, but I think it merits a mention....
>

I agree. If what I suggested (i.e. interactive decisions) is implemented, 
there'll be no problems. On the other hand, while we continue to use USE 
flags, such decisions may need to be made. But what I had in mind really was 
an unusual case.

-- 

Dan Armak
Gentoo Linux Developer
Matan, Israel