Re: [gentoo-dev] initscripts in python

[Sven Vermeulen <swift@gentoo.org>]

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On Wed, Apr 16, 2003 at 10:19:31AM +0200, Paul de Vrieze wrote:
> As most init scripts are essentially nobrainer oneliners, I believe using 
> anything but sh is overkill. In the cases where something special is required 
> it is very well possible to use python/any other language either embedded or 
> instead of the standard interpreter. (You could even make init scripts in c)

I agree. The cons for using Python-based initscripts are too important. 

First of all it's important that the system still boots, even when Python
doesn't work due to a bad ebuild or any other circumstance. Saying that this
is the same for when the shell itself doesn't work isn't true, since you'll
need the shell in order to fix the problem. You don't need Python.

Second is that there are lots of users that can shellscript (it's not that
difficult) but who don't know how to code in Python. They'll seriously object
when Gentoo would start using Python initscripts.

This would also mean that Python should be moved from /usr/lib to /lib,
increasing the size of the / partition and removing the possibility for
shared Python in a network (admin POV).

I also think that the initialisation time would increase, leaving us with no
real advantage whatsoever. 

If you want speed, just code them in C and compile :)

	Sven Vermeulen

-- 
	Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity.

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