Re: Bug#27211: terminology issues: distributions, sections, subsections
aph wrote:
> distribution:
>
> A set of packages which make up a general release of Debian. This
> set may either represent an actual released version of Debian, a
> proposed set of packages, or a "vestigal" distribution such as
> "experimental".
>
> examples: stable, unstable, slink, hamm, bo
>
'release' seems to be the common term for this. You even use it in the
definition. Distribution is usually used when referring to what you call
a section below.
> section:
>
> A "sub-distribution" which defines a set of packages based on their
> compliance with the DFSG or other factors. "Official" Debian is
> always only the "main" section of a distribution.
>
> examples: main, contrib, non-free
> /usr/doc/apt/guide.sgml term: component
> policy citation:
> Thus, the archive is split
> into the sections *main*, *non-us*, *non-free*, and *contrib*.
>
As mentioned above, this is usually called a distribution. Once again,
you used the preferred term in the definition.
> subsection:
>
> A further breakdown of a section, generally based on what type of
> function the package fulfills. For the most part, the function of the
> subsection is simply to facilitate ad hoc browsing of packages.
> Defined by the archive maintainers.
>
> examples: base, admin
> /usr/doc/apt/guide.sgml term: section
> policy citation:
> 2.1.7. Subsections
> ------------------
> The packages in the *main*, *contrib*, and *non-free* sections are
> grouped further into *subsections* to simplify handling of them.
>
To continue the confusion, this is usually called the section.
Jay Treacy
Reply to: