[Rule-list] Xfree and MESA

[Marco Fioretti]

Geoff wrote:

> After I completed the slinky-0.1.9a install, I attempted to install XFree
> in order to build a AfterStep rpm on a RULE system. In doing so, I learned
> that X is a *very* large application, & expects a number of packages that
> are not always obviously related, viz.:
>
> perl
> freetype-2.0.3-7
> XFree86-libs-4.1.0-3
> XFree86-xfs-4.1.0-3
> Mesa-3.4.2-7
>
> Looking at the source code for XFree86-4.1.0, I see that there are about
> 15 perl scripts -- associated with xterm, items in the extra directory, or
> used with fonts -- so the dependency on perl has some justification.
>
> However, what I have trouble understanding why Mesa needs to be  included
> in XFree. I don't use 3D effects in my window manager on a daily basis.
> It appears to be one of these k-rad kewl effects that someone insists
> on
> adding to a software project, which ends up getting so entangled with the
> rest of the code that all of the users end up being forced to upgrade
> their hardware . . . even if they aren't going to use this new feature.
>
> In short, it's the kind of feature bloat I feel RULE should be fighting,
> if I understand the charter of the group.
>

You understood it perfectly, Geoff!

w.r.t this particular case, I too am a bit surprised by X depending on
Perl, but since if you install X is to have a Unix *desktop*, and
since on such objects Perl is always used anyway, it's harmless.

OTOH, MESA is certainly something to leave out for the reasons you
mention, unless it does break Red Hat and/or so many rpm level things
that upgrades become a nightmare.

A couple of questions to help us to decide:

1) how much disk/ram would we save? (writing from solaris, can't check.)
   (don't answer (only) here: add data to the rule app database
    too, PLEASE!

2) Is MESA really needed? In other words, is it required because:

        a) the RH default X *binaries* will actually crash and burn your
           house if MESA files aren't there, or

        b) Something will generate a ton of complaints but 2-D X will
           run anyway?

        Ciao,
                Marco Fioretti
                RULE project leader