From mboxrd@z Thu Jan 1 00:00:00 1970 Return-Path: X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 4.0.0 (2022-12-14) on finch.gentoo.org X-Spam-Level: X-Spam-Status: No, score=-2.0 required=5.0 tests=DMARC_MISSING, MAILING_LIST_MULTI,NICE_REPLY_A autolearn=unavailable autolearn_force=no version=4.0.0 Received: from c007.snv.cp.net (h000.c007.snv.cp.net [209.228.33.228]) by chiba.3jane.net (Postfix) with SMTP id 8EBA0ABDAA for ; Tue, 2 Jul 2002 17:18:25 -0500 (CDT) Received: (cpmta 13996 invoked from network); 2 Jul 2002 15:18:24 -0700 Received: from 64.34.192.49 (HELO silver.perimeter) by smtp.directvinternet.com (209.228.33.228) with SMTP; 2 Jul 2002 15:18:24 -0700 X-Sent: 2 Jul 2002 22:18:24 GMT Subject: Re: [gentoo-dev] Why the FHS can't be followed From: Fuper To: gentoo-dev@gentoo.org In-Reply-To: <20020702200608.GB5646@ogremage.dslxtreme.com> References: <20020701173735.5d1093ae.erichey2@attbi.com> <20020701203819.4e7d6935.erichey2@attbi.com> <200207022105.20031.danarmak@gentoo.org> <200207021410.00311.jsmith@kcco.com> <20020702200608.GB5646@ogremage.dslxtreme.com> Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Ximian Evolution 1.0.5 Date: 02 Jul 2002 17:18:22 -0500 Message-Id: <1025648304.2980.69.camel@silver.perimeter> Mime-Version: 1.0 Sender: gentoo-dev-admin@gentoo.org Errors-To: gentoo-dev-admin@gentoo.org X-BeenThere: gentoo-dev@gentoo.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.0.6 Precedence: bulk List-Help: List-Post: List-Subscribe: , List-Id: Gentoo Linux developer list List-Unsubscribe: , List-Archive: X-Archives-Salt: 47023955-d2d4-438f-9177-725bc0d1e8e4 X-Archives-Hash: b02def3ae97787aee1460e54b8d8a44c The FHS _has_ been followed by Gentoo. The use of /opt is optional. The Standard places limitations on the use of /opt and gives an historic rationale for it, but does not require that anything be installed in /opt. I would suggest that everyone actually read the FHS at BTW the restrictions are that any package installed in /opt must reside entirely within it's own subdirectory /opt/ and that no package may modify or delete software installed in /opt by the local system administrator. Only the local administrator may install files into the directories: /opt/bin /opt/include /opt/lib /opt/man /opt/info Especially read the Rationale for /opt --- it was an AT&T System V invention and is to hold "Add-on Software Packages" that are not a part of the "System Software". That made sense for System V for which "System Software" had a definition. There is much less clear distinctions between "system" and "add-on" in a Linux system. There is no distinction between "system" and "add-on" in the Gentoo meta-distribution. In a meta-distribution it's all under local administrator control. /opt is optional BTW I prefer to place binary-only packages such as Acroread in /opt and otherwise to keep /opt as small as possible. I don't put any local software in /opt and don't recommend that you do either. /usr/local is more traditional and if you like to keep apps contained within their own package directories then use GNU Stow and install each package as /usr/local/stow/. See p.s. I passed the LPIC Level 1 exams! They are tough.