Bug#325234: debian-policy: mention if coincidence runlevels 2345 all same
Package: debian-policy
Version: 3.6.2.1
Severity: wishlist
One wants to know the exact definition of each of the Debian run levels.
We see
9.3. System run levels and `init.d' scripts
9.3.1. Introduction
The `/etc/init.d' directory contains the scripts executed by `init' at
boot time and when the init state (or "runlevel") is changed (see
init(8)).
But the more general Linux man pages shouldn't be expected to have
each run level detailed clearer than in the Policy document.
Anyways, way below one finally finds
By default `update-rc.d' will start services in each of the multi-user
state runlevels (2, 3, 4, and 5) and stop them in the halt runlevel
(0), the single-user runlevel (1) and the reboot runlevel (6).
Well right at the top of 9.3.1 I would say what each run level is,
using one line to explain each runlevel, for a total of 0123456S = 8 lines.
Anyway, on other Linuxes, 3 is text:
/usr/share/doc/HOWTO/en-html/Remote-Serial-Console-HOWTO/misc-init.html:
7.2. Change init level to textual
Alter the default from run level 5 (multiuser with X Window System) to
run level 3 (multiuser).
But on debian, level 2 3 4 5 are all the same, apparently, but
apparently by silent agreement. Policy should give some clue why they
are all the same, lest users wonder if they forgot to install text-mode
or something. "On other Linuxes, Policy is 3 is textmode, but on
Debian one cannot find any statements about this." Not in man inittab,
man init, /etc/inittab, etc.
Perhaps mention that "text mode" can be achieved by just disabling X
-- mention the best way then.
One might even save inodes by just linking rc5.d->rc2.d etc. Or just
having one of 2345 in the first place.
Anyways, "say something on why 2 3 4 5 are exactly the same on
Debian", or if it is cool for packages to casually claim a whole
runlevel for themselves and their friends or whatever.
At least mention something to people looking for Debian's "text mode."
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