Peter Volkov wrote:
> Hi. How do we handle packages that provide client, server, and possibly
> extra tools/libraries? Do we split packages like binary distros do or do
> we use USE flags? What USE flags? Currently some packages are split
> other use client, server or minimal USE flag(s).
> 
> Back in 2006 similar problem was discussed many times with no final
> resolution - it was hard to ban split packages since portage had no
> support for USE deps. Also some packages started to utilize 'minimal'
> USE flag to force users read USE flag description and thus reduce its
> usage and lower number of bugs due to not-installed parts of package.
> 
> With EAPI=2 both use deps and USE defaults (if necessary) are here so
> it's possible to introduce some guidelines:
> 
> 1. do not split packages; use USE flags and USE deps.
> 2. stop using minimal USE flag to build client or sever only.
> 
> 
> So are there any good reasons to split packages?
> 
> 
> https://bugs.gentoo.org/12499 but many similar disscussions were on this
> list...
> 

I think a good guideline is:
1. Use a single pkg when upstream releases server and client in one bundle
2. Use separate packages when upstream releases client and server separately

I think the minimal use flag should not be used for this purpose any more.

Regards,
Petteri