[gentoo-dev] Programs that depend on X libraries

[Aron Griffis]

Hello,

There has been a minor debate on #gentoo regarding where to install
programs that depend on X libraries.  The trend in the ebuilds is
currently to install to /usr/X11R6.

I'd like to propose that programs should almost always install in /usr
rather than /usr/X11R6.  My reasons follow:

(1) The FHS says: "This hierarchy is reserved for the X Window System,
    version 11 release 6, and related files."  IMHO that doesn't include
    programs that are linked against the X libraries, just programs that
    are delivered with the X distribution.

(2) Consistency with other major distributions.  Both Red Hat and Debian
    install programs (even those linked against X libraries) in /usr.
    (For the most part... Deviations seem to be primarily historical.)

(3) Simplicity in the ebuilds.  Consider the following scenarios:

    * ebuild with multiple binaries, some of which link against X,
      others that don't.  Does the ebuild author split up the binaries?
      If so, this becomes confusing to both the ebuild author (who has
      to go through and distinguish one from the other) and to the
      end-user (who might expect both prog and xprog to live in the same
      location).

    * ebuild with binary that optionally links to X.  Does the ebuild
      author put conditionals in the ebuild to install in either
      /usr/X11R6 or /usr?  If so, this again creates a confusing
      situation for the end-user.

    In both of these cases, it's easier to install to /usr and not worry
    about either of the above.

(4) Potential to have multiple X distributions installed.  Say for
    instance that I like to have XFree86-3.3.6, XFree86-4.0.1, and
    Accelerated-X installed.  I might like to install these in
    hierarchies under /usr/XFree86-3.3.6, /usr/XFree86-4.0.1, and
    /usr/Accel-X, then create a symlink /usr/X11R6 that points to the
    tree I'm using at the moment.  All other technical concerns with
    this scheme aside, this at least creates a problem for ebuilds that
    like to install in /usr/X11R6.

Thanks,
Aron