Re: [gentoo-dev] Re: RFC: storing predefined INSTALL_MASK directory lists in repos

[Peter Stuge <peter@stuge.se>]

Duncan wrote:
> >>   INSTALL_MASK="systemd bash-completion"
> >> 
> >> What are your thoughts?
> > 
> > It seems like this will generally duplicate all -USE flags.
> > 
> > Would it make sense to instead have a single setting which changes the
> > meaning of USE to be that everything not USEd is install-masked?
> 
> No, this would not be a duplicate.

I did generalize, but think more about this - certainly for both
Michał's examples I have already either set or unset "systemd" and
"bash-completion" in USE.


> Gentoo policy is that the mere installation of a few small and
> harmless if not used files should not be controlled by USE flags

Policy doesn't matter if they doesn't make sense. Maybe I am asking
if Michał's idea could be implemented by changing that policy.

An INSTALL_MASK setting in make.conf doesn't require recompile any
less than USE setting already do.


> install-mask is an existing general control mechanism fit for the task.
..
> So the next step in automation and safety is as proposed here, provide a
> standard location for pre-created "safe" mask files that a user can then
> choose to activate
..
> a less sharp and hazardous way of activating mask settings pre-cleared
> as "safe" by gentoo devs

The mechanism wouldn't change. I think this discussion is only about
having the most expressive knobs.


//Peter