Re: [gentoo-dev] [RFC] Rebooting the Installer Project

[Matthew Marchese]

NP,

You bring about some good points. stager still start with command-line interface that can either pass values via command-line options + arguments or via 'profiles' which are .ini formatted text files with values predefined. The name 'profile' is subject to change because I don't want to confuse new users with system profiles, which would also be able to get set...

The web interface, if it ever happens, will come some time after the cli.

The goal of the web interface would allow for "unattended graphical installs." It would perform almost like the old GLI did: go through a step by step process of setting a configuration (or simply point it to a predefined .ini file), click "install" and walk away. As long as the user knows what hardware is on his/her system, they should be able to configure things correctly. Just start up the server before you walk away and can set all the parameters for the install in a web page.

The priorities of the project would be this order:

1) Seasoned users
* Saving time creating backups, recovering, or installing new systems
* Providing an install "framework". It seems many Gentoo users have their own set of scripts for backups, installation, etc. stager could provide a base for those who have not been taking simple system backups. 
2) New users
* New users would still need to read the Handbook in order to learn how Gentoo works and to properly configure the installer.
* In some ways I would like the installer to be a teaching tool that will help people get their feet wet with our great OS.

maffblaster

On 07/18/2015 04:06 PM, hasufell wrote:
> On 07/18/2015 09:36 PM, NP-Hardass wrote:
>> On Sat, 18 Jul 2015 12:01:48 -0700
>> Matthew Marchese <maffblaster@g.o> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello all,
>>> I have recently pressed the reboot button on the ol' Installer
>>> project. I've been able to talk to quite a few developers one-on-one
>>> via IRC concerning my plans. Most seem to be in support of Gentoo
>>> having a "official" installer (the biggest concern is appears to be
>>> how things will be implemented and the amount of features involved).
>>> This e-mail is to fulfill GLEP 39's request for comments (RFC),
>>> concerns, requests, etc. Since I'm a little new to the project I'm
>>> coming with a bit of ignorance; I know the previous Installer project
>>> fostered mixed feelings.
>>> If you'd like to review before replying you can see the Wiki page and
>>> find the source on GitHub: https://github.com/gentoo/stager
>>> To summarize I'm writing it in pure Python 3. It first will be able
>>> to create full backups (stage 4s) and recoveries. After that is
>>> finished I plan to move on to installations. There will potentially
>>> be a web interface UI for it. Others are free to create other
>>> front-ends; to me a web UI makes the most sense and would probably
>>> require the least deps.
>>> I'd like to hear it all so please speak your mind. Looking forward to
>>> hearing from you.
>>> maffblaster
>>
>>
>>
>> Who is your target audience?  New users?  Experienced users?  Not so
>> much a comment about your installer, but installers in general, I feel
>> the handbook is critically important to helping new users to understand
>> Gentoo.
> The handbook consists of different sections. Installation is only one of
> them. An installer would just "replace" that part, not the others.
>
>> "Greatly aiding the "fresh install process". stager will not
>> remove the need for reading through the Handbooks, but rather work
>> along side the handbook in order to help users install Gentoo."
>>
>> Can you elaborate on this?  I have trouble envisioning an automated
>> installer process that requires working along side the handbook.
>>
> See above.
>