On 12-07-11 at 10:04am, Ivan Shmakov wrote: > >>>>> Jonas Smedegaard <dr@jones.dk> writes: > > […] > > > It is a feature (which each user is free to avoid by not using it!) > > for Debian to include a meta-package that pulls in that eeeevil > > n-m, not a bug. > > … And what exactly this “feature” gives to the user? The single feature that makes anyone want to install the package: On 12-07-10 at 06:10pm, Jonas Smedegaard wrote: > The very purpose of a meta-package is to _ensure_ that a certain set > of packages is installed, not just recommend them: All (not only most) > users of that package need all its dependencies satisfied - those that > don't should simply uninstall the meta-package. Some argue that meta-packages can have a different purpose, and some argue that recommending also to some (lesser) extend ensures installation of packages. None of that, however, changes the fact that _this_ meta-package _now_ has the feature of strictly ensuring a certain set of packages. For those wanting that. And not for those feeling it is in their way, but those can simply avoid that package: A meta-package has no functionalirty beyond pulling in packages, so there is no loss to the resulting system other than lack of its sole feature. - Jonas -- * Jonas Smedegaard - idealist & Internet-arkitekt * Tlf.: +45 40843136 Website: http://dr.jones.dk/ [x] quote me freely [ ] ask before reusing [ ] keep private
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