Re: Suggest to make a2ps /not/ print by default

[Ernst de Haan]

Sounds valid to me.

+1
(although I know this is not a democracy)

Ernst


J Wunsch wrote:
> Hello world,
> 
> i suggest that we apply the attached patch to our a2ps FreeBSD
> port(s), which will make it send its file to stdout as opposed to the
> printer by default.
> 
> Sending the file by default to the printer is (IMHO):
> 
> . counter-intuitive; the name a2ps suggests that the tool converts
>   ASCII (plus other files) to Postscript, but it by no means gives a
>   hint that it would print something without asking,
> 
> . violating the Unix way; we've got pipes, and people are used to use
>   them when they want to print something (IMHO there isn't even a good
>   reason for adding all the -P bloat to a2ps at all, but of course, i
>   don't suggest changing _that_),
> 
> . contradictionary to all the documentation about a2ps since the docs
>   tell you that it would only start printing if a -P or -c option is
>   being provided,
> 
> . a waste of paper for the brave user who starts the program in the
>   innocent assumption to get just a Postscript file out of it.
> 
> My main concern (and that's why i would like the entire list and not
> just the port's maintainer) is that some dependant port (like
> apsfilter) might already rely on this feature.
> 
> Please send me a Cc for any discussion, i'm not subscribed to the
> ports list.
> 
> I've also Cc'ed address@hidden for their information, but folks over
> there, if you reply, please do it to /me only/ and don't start an
> endless discussion along with all the people on the FreeBSD ports list!
> -- 
> cheers, J"org               .-.-.   --... ...--   -.. .  DL8DTL
> 
> http://www.sax.de/~joerg/                        NIC: JW11-RIPE
> Never trust an operating system you don't have sources for. ;-)

> --- lib/printers.c.orig       Tue Oct 12 00:01:59 1999
> +++ lib/printers.c    Wed May  2 11:23:25 2001
> @@ -315,8 +315,8 @@
>    res->ppd = NULL;           /* Printer's ppd are not read yet */
>  
>    /* Output */
> -  /* Default is to send to default printer */
> -  res->flag_output_is_printer = true;
> +  /* Default is to send to stdout */
> +  res->flag_output_is_printer = false;
>    res->flag_output_name = NULL;
>    res->output_is_file = true;
>    res->output_name = NULL;


-- 
Ernst de Haan
Java Architect
Jollem Information Technology

    "Come to me all who are weary and burdened
        and I will give you rest" -- Jesus Christ