Bug#695916: libreoffice-common: libreoffice installs its own /ust/bin/soffice instead of using debian alternatives system

[Rene Engelhard <rene@debian.org>]

severity 695916 wishlist
tag 695916 wontfix
retitle 695916 libreoffice-common: pleasse use alternatives system for  /usr/bin/soffice
thanks

On Fri, Dec 14, 2012 at 11:15:21AM +0100, Luc Maisonobe wrote:
> Package: libreoffice-common
> Version: 1:3.5.4+dfsg-4
> Severity: normal

No. It's wishlist. See below.

> Since the fork between LibreOffice and OpenOffice.org (now Apache OpenOffice),
> both suites install /usr/bin/soffice directly.

Yes.

> This completely prevents users to install both on the same computer, despite

Correct.

> LibreOffice (and Apache OpenOffice too) should use the alternative mechanism to
> set up the /usr/bin/soffice link.

BTW, This is
 a) a wish
 b) not a bug in Debian in any case but a upstream one (it relies on
    a /usr/bin/soffice anyways)
 c) irrelevant in Debian as that doesn't have Apache OpenOffice packages
    (not even RFPed/ITPed)

But even then:

- how do you ensure external API stuff (especially those using new
APIs/features introduced) uses the correct soffice?
- or stuff adapted for the fixed (-- vs -, though the latter still work.)
  command line options in LO? Stuff using that will break when soffice
  points to a AOO soffice?

I don't think mangling a such-important thing like soffice is a good idea.

Regards,

Rene