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=-1.0 required=5.0 tests=HEADER_FROM_DIFFERENT_DOMAINS, MAILING_LIST_MULTI,NO_RELAYS autolearn=unavailable autolearn_force=no version=4.0.0 Received: by chiba.3jane.net (Postfix, from userid 1105) id 9A54019244; Mon, 3 Dec 2001 10:48:35 -0600 (CST) Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2001 10:48:35 -0600 From: Daniel Robbins To: gentoo-dev@gentoo.org Subject: Re: [gentoo-dev] USE database? Message-ID: <20011203104835.E30257@chiba.3jane.net> References: <3C0AD02D.8030106@shaw.ca> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Disposition: inline In-Reply-To: <3C0AD02D.8030106@shaw.ca> User-Agent: Mutt/1.3.22.1i Organization: Gentoo Technologies, Inc. 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 Reply-To: gentoo-dev@gentoo.org List-Help: List-Post: List-Subscribe: , List-Id: Developer discussion list List-Unsubscribe: , List-Archive: X-Archives-Salt: 836e7864-53d2-41af-8219-34f936b67dfc X-Archives-Hash: 58c75a404cc47282f992ed558293f142 On Sun, Dec 02, 2001 at 05:06:53PM -0800, Zach Forrest wrote: > One thing I think needs some refinement is the USE system. I was > thinking that using a format that is more strict would allow for more > flexibility and make it easier to automate both the process of > generating the make.conf file and for tools to administer the USE > variables. It may also allow for some improvements in the Portage system > as well. You're right, our USE system needs refinement, and we are currently fleshing out details on how to do this. I agree that we may need a master repository of USE variables, and I can code Portage to complain about "invalid USE variables" if they aren't defined properly. This should give everyone the impetus to update a global USE variable definition file, making everyone's life easier. Good idea! > Using the docs in make.conf as the starting point, I think it would make > sense to have a simple database format, or, if using python a list of > dictionaries. For example, one entry might look like this: > > use_var={"name":"esd", > "description":"Enable enlightenment sound daemon support.", > "priority":"OPTIONAL", > "depends":"media-sound/esound"} Sounds like a good plan. I haven't considered having a "depends" for every USE variable, but it could come in handy if only for informational purposes. > Also, maybe adding a "--satisfyuse" flag to the ebuild/emerge command. Good idea. > I know Gentoo is designed for more advanced users and what I have > described may seem gratuitous, but I think it might make things easier > in the long run. (Also, even advanced users can do with a _little_ > convenience.) Agreed. > It may, then, also make sense to give a little more structure to the > optimization settings. For example: > > optimization_var={ > "host":"i686", > "chost":"i686-pc-linux-gnu", > "cflags":"-mcpu=i686 -march=i686 -O3 -pipe", > "cxxflags":"-mcpu=i686 -march=i686 -O3 -pipe"} It would make my life easier if we would use python-based configuration files. Right now, they're parsed. But being able to define dictionaries is really appealing to me right now :) > fetch_cmd={ > "name":"Lukemftp", > "command":"/usr/bin/lukemftp -s -a -o \${DISTDIR}/\${y} \${x}"} Just the idea of using dictionaries for configuration is sounding good to me right now! :) > I am thoroughly enjoying Gentoo Linux. Thank you to everyone. You're welcome. And thanks for the thought-provoking suggestions :) -- Daniel Robbins Chief Architect/President http://www.gentoo.org Gentoo Technologies, Inc.