Bug#949006: debian-policy: Stop recommending stamp files in debian/rules

[Jonathan Nieder <jrnieder@gmail.com>]

Niels Thykier wrote:

> debhelper cannot see "inside" the upstream build system.  If you modify
> a .c file, debhelper won't notice and will currently just skip the
> entire build.  Alternatively, debhelper will have to invoke the build
> system and rely on it to not be flawed.

Yes, I think that would be a good behavior (invoking the build system
and if it's flawed, let the packager work with upstream on it).
Especially because the effect is directly on the packagers --- buildds
wouldn't be hurt by this, as you note.

Is that the proposed debhelper change?  Where can I sign up? :)

> AFAICT, the current practise recommended by policy have the same issue
> (assuming you implement the stamp file or touch the "build" file).

Right, using "touch build" or build-stamp is a last resort, for
dealing with irreperable upstream build systems.  Having a proper
upstream build system is much better (and isn't all that rare).

Thanks,
Jonathan