Bug#521810: debian-policy: Document user defined fields starting with X-
On Tue, 31 Mar 2009, Russ Allbery wrote:
> > Keeping the X- prefix when copying fields would mean we could never
> > invent new fields without forcing a mass rename of fields once they are
> > official. Or we could not add official fields if we use an old dpkg-dev.
>
> Indeed, that's a serious problem.
>
> I believe this patch should be rejected and behavior left as-is, with
> users not told to add an extra X- to their fields. Conflicts can be dealt
> with as they come up.
In this case, Nils came to us because they add an "X-Buildinfo" field
containing some private VCS information and they didn't want to have
the warning generated by dpkg-deb (in order to not miss some other
important warnings). His request made sense.
After having accepted the patch, I wondered where it should be documented
and Nils pointed me to the policy section. So I asked him to submit a bug
here.
I fail to see any problem with telling people outside of Debian that they
can freely use "X-" fields for their private use. You might want to say to DD
that are inventing new fields, that they should not make them start with
X- if they ever expect it to be standardized.
Cheers,
--
Raphaël Hertzog
Contribuez à Debian et gagnez un cahier de l'admin Debian Lenny :
http://www.ouaza.com/wp/2009/03/02/contribuer-a-debian-gagner-un-livre/
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