Robert Dodier wrote:
> On 3/31/07, Vadim <vadim at vkonovalov.ru> wrote:
>
>> IMO the source distribution should contain as little derived files as
>> possible, for the following reasons.
>> - distribution without generated binaries will provide better impression
>> about its quality. Its like having files like README.txt~ in some
>> distros :)
>> - size isn't the very improtant argument nowadays, but still adds to the
>> overall picture
>
>
> Sure. We're all in agreement about that.
> The difficulty is that generating some files and packing
> them into the source distribution means that someone building
> Maxima does not have to have the full set of tools.
I happily agree with your point and, indeed, let the distro will be as
maintainers see it more convenient for the user.
I do see some contradiction, however.
Probably MAXIMA user either wants to build it from source distribution
by himself/herself, or do download prepared binaries.
I assume if the user downloads source distribution, (as opposed to
downloading binaries) then this user has reasonable *nix development
tools working properly.
As a side note INSTALL.win32 currently requires quite large list of
requirements (including Perl but excluding TeX :) )
(but INSTALL.win32 needs good rework, IMO)
> If we could assume everyone has the standard *nix development
> tools, we could cut out that stuff. But we can't, so we don't.
That's okay, since everyone still have reasonable 'rm' analog in their
systems and will delete unneeded files locally :) :)
Best regards,
Vadim.