Re: [gentoo-dev] GLEP: gentoo sync based unified deps proposal

[Brian Dolbec]

On Sun, 2012-09-16 at 06:52 -0700, Brian Harring wrote:
> Folks-
>
> Keeping it short and quick, a basic glep has been written for what I'm
> proposing for DEPENDENCIES enhancement.
>
> The live version of the doc is available at
> http://dev.gentoo.org/~ferringb/unified-dependencies/extensible_dependencies.html
>
> Wording fixes will occur, but the core concept shouldn't change (and
> if it does, per PEP standards, the changes will be noted/tracked).
>
> Please have a read through; it should be clear/concise as to why PM
> authors are pushing for a unified dependencies to be done, what we can
> get from it now, what it enables moving forward, and the direct cost
> to devs should this idea be implemented.
>
> Just to be absolutely clear, what I'm proposing is basically zero cost
> for devs- they can (and should when it's in their benefit) switch to
> the new syntax when it makes their job easier; it can be used in
> parallel to existing DEPEND/RDEPEND/PDEPEND both to ease
> transition/compatibility.
>
> In addition, a prototype portage patch has been cut for dependencies
> support (needs work/full validation), and a matching pkgcore one has
> been cut.
>
> I realize it's a complex subject; if you have questions, please feel
> to ask.
>
> Thanks, and pardon the ancillary/daft noise that has gone with this
> subject.
>
> ~harring
>

I like the idea of a unified DEPENDENCIES.  Potential flame wars aside,
I also like the extended USE flag syntax approach.  While it would be
nice to loose the repetitive "dep:" portion, I can understand the
importance of maintaining a namespace ID to prevent it from being
injected where it does not belong.  It adds to the consistency of the
USE flag syntax while condensing the results.  Reducing the size will
help speed things along as well as reduce resource overhead (rsyncing
the tree).

I think it will be a good step forward in the evolution of gentoo.

I would also put forth effort to help with tools to help devs migrate
and check correctness before committing.
-- 
Brian Dolbec <dolsen@g.o>