Re: [gentoo-dev] supporting /usr on separate partition

[Zac Medico]

On 10/17/2011 01:01 PM, Sven Vermeulen wrote:
> --Snippet from the commit result:
>   <p>
>   However, multiple partitions have disadvantages as well. If not configured
>   properly, you will have a system with lots of free space on one partition
>   and none on another. Another nuisance is that separate partitions - especially
>   for important mountpoints like <path>/usr</path> or <path>/var</path> -
>   often require the administrator to boot with an initramfs to mount the partition
>   before other boot scripts start. This isn't always the case though, so YMMV.
>   </p>
>
>   <p>
>   There is also a 15-partition limit for SCSI and SATA unless you use GPT
>   labels.
>   </p>
> --End Snippet
>
> Now, I must say I find it strange that people think that the Gentoo Handbook
> suggests users to use a separate /usr partition. It does not. The default
> partitioning that we use is a separate /boot (yes, this can and has been
> debated in the past, I'm not going to change this) and / with a separate
> swap partition. Nothing more, nothing less. There are a few code listings
> where an example output is given which holds a separate /usr but I hope all
> those listings are clear that they are examples.

Even if you don't consider them to be formal "suggestions", their mere
presence as examples lends them credence.

> It also states that this is an example we use in the Gentoo Handbook and
> that it depends on the user how he wants his partition scheme layed out.
>
> I'm hoping that the above update clarifies this sufficiently so that huge
> threads like this one don't need to reappear again ;-) If you think it is
> still unclear or needs improvements left or right, don't hesitate to mail me
> or, even better, file a bugreport (I act better on bug reports than on
> e-mails).

I think the new "disadvantages" section that you posted should convey an
appropriate level of caution. Thanks!
-- 
Thanks,
Zac