RE: GNUstep directory layout

[HVaisbur]

Hi List,

This is the first time I'm writing to gnustep mailing list.
I haven't got good GNUstep experience yet, please exuse my
limited knowledge of the subject.

Stefan Urbanek <urbanek@host.sk> wrote:

> The packaging system is fine, but I think it was 'invented' 
> because applications were spread in many directories 
> (/usr/bin for executables, /usr/share for data, etc.). In 
> GNUstep we have bundles. If user wants to install an 
> application (framework or any other bundle), he/she just copy 
> the application bundle in to right place. Removing is 
> similar: just delete the application or move it using 
> workspace into recycler.
> This is very simple and the user does not need to tackle with 
> some installer application or tool. Packaging system is not 
> really necessary for gnustep, just in few cases like tools 
> with resources.

I have a question related to this.

I think the rpm packaging system (at least what I saw
in RedHat and Mandrake) is incompatible with the idea of mount
in unix. I would expect the installation to be
complete and correct after unmounting /usr, for instance, or /opt
(I like using /opt). That, I think, is the main idea of mount -
you can easily attach or detach pieces without breaking your system.
With rpm packaging there is the information in /var/lib that points
to other partitions, so when you mount something this information
is not updated, and when you unmount it references files that
do not exist any more.

Stefan's mail suggects there is no such problem with GNUstep.
If it exists though, I think it would be nice to solve it, for this
purpouse directory layout might need to be changed.

Tima.