Re: [gentoo-dev] [RFC] DIGESTS metadata variable for cache validation

[Zac Medico <zmedico@gentoo.org>]

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Ciaran McCreesh wrote:
> On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:23:18 -0800
> Zac Medico <zmedico@gentoo.org> wrote:
>>> Well, usually you don't keep intermediate or generated files in a
>>> VCS, so why the metadata?
>> People who distribute overlays commonly ask if it's possible to
>> distribute metadata cache with the overlay. Using a format that
>> doesn't rely on timestamps will allow them to distribute metadata
>> cache using their existing infrastructure, which is typically git or
>> subversion. In addition to overlays, it would also be useful for
>> forks of the entire gentoo tree, such as the funtoo tree [1].
> 
> Are these people really all going to remember to run some command at
> the top level of the repository before every commit, and to git add the
> relevant files for everything (thus making really messy commits)?

The cache can be incrementally updated by a tool such as repoman, or
it can be updated in periodic batches by a cron job. The periodic
batch approach may be more convenient for eclass changes affect
large numbers of ebuilds.

> Sticking metadata cache files under version control really is a perfect
> example of doing it wrong...

Well, if you want to use timestamps, the alternative is to
distributors to use a protocol which preserves timestamps. This
creates an unnecessary burden. Allowing distribution of metadata
cache via version control systems is more flexible.
- --
Thanks,
Zac
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