Re: source dependencies - and recomndations]
On Jul 29, Joey Hess <joey@kite.ml.org> wrote:
> I think we also need a Source-Recommends field. There are some packages that
> should be built with some other package installed, but will build ok without
> it.
>
[Examples snipped]
How about not. Instead, just make the "Source-Depends:" list the tools
needed to build the package *as it was built for Debian*. Otherwise
you're expecting the developers to trace through the configure scripts
and make files, and figure out what's essential and what just has nice
benefits.
I think the use of the word "Depends" is a little misleading --
surely we're not trying to enforce anything here, as we are with the
binary Depends/Recommends/Suggests fields. We're trying to list the
*unusual* tools that are necessary to build the package in the way
Debian builds it, so the person doesn't have to sit and watch the
configure or make fail six different ways before the package gets
built. OTOH, if I download a source package, unpack it, and tell it to
run configure/make/whatever, it damn well better do it, with complaining
about missing "Source-Depends". (Maybe I have the tool installed in
/usr/local...or maybe I'm just being contrary.)
I personally think the whole thing could be accomplished with a
note in a debian/README.rebuild file, except for the convenience In
seeing the needs listed in some convenient database. (Yeah, I know,
auto-rebuilding. But isn't it likely that most autorebuilds will be done
on systems that are pretty much complete, and run by people who can look
at the log and figure out that they need to look at the README.rebuild
file for the x, y, and z packages?)
If you're going to feed it to an auto-builder, I'd sure expect it to the
result to be *exactly* what's in the corresponding .deb file. on master
(modulo different versions of the tools).
Steve Greenland
--
The Mole - I think, therefore I scream
"So tell me... did you
remember to ask for World
Domination?"
"Whoops... I knew I forgot
something!"
[That darned BADGER...]
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