Re: On adding size info to Packages files
Hi,
>>"Michael" == Michael Bramer <michael@grisu.weh.rwth-aachen.de> writes:
Michael> I think the right place is in the *.deb-file. In the
Michael> control-file (like the description) or as new file in *.deb.
Why do you think so? You don't give any reasons whatsoever, so
this is not a technical statement, but a mere expression of personal
preference. I personally think that is a bad idea for the folowing
reasons:
a) the data is harder to manipulate: as a separate file, dinstall
just has to rename the file to a cache area, and use zcat and
echo to generate the master sizes.gz file.
As a control file, dinstall has to unpack the .deb file and
extract the data.
b) The data is only needed on *some* machines, and only at install
time. As a separate file, it can be downloaded as needed, or not
at all (I have no need to slow down my installs, I know I have
plenty of space at the moment).
When it is part of the .deb file, the data is carried around with
the package all the time, whether needed or not. This is needless
duplication and wastes network bnadwidth too.
c) a control file is unpacked and kept in /var/lib/dpkg/info area,
which is a waste of space. The data is needed *before
installation*, not afterwards.
From the KISS principle, a separate file makes more sense than
embedding the data in the .deb file, (making it harder to access
it). Also, a separate file can initially be tested without changing
*any* dpkg tool (Guy just modifies his script)
manoj
--
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world began when I was born and the world is mine to win." Badger
Clark
Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@acm.org> <http://www.datasync.com/%7Esrivasta/>
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