Re: [Bug-cpio] multiple tapes

[Sergey Poznyakoff]

Alain Williams <address@hidden> wrote:

> I note that in this situation GNU tar puts a special header at the
> start of the 2nd tape and so copes with it properly.

Yes, indeed. 

> I propose that cpio work in the same way as tar and optionally put a
> header at the start of the second tape. Optionally so that we can
> ensure compatability with non-gnu cpio.

I like the idea. 

> The trouble is where to put the flag/... in the header to show that
> what we have is a continuation file -- one idea is c_rdev_maj &
> c_rdev_min since these are only used with device files (which only
> consist of a header anyway and so will never be big).

No, reusing already existing fields is just calling for trouble. The
experience with GNU tar shows that clearly. 

> Another idea is to invent a new magic number: 070703 and corresponding
> header format:

That would be the right way, I believe.

> It doesn't look hugely difficult to do.

Indeed, it doesn't. I guess I'll try to implement it. There is some more
code cleanup waiting in my queue, so when I'm through with it I'll start
working on this. Thanks for the idea.

Regards,
Sergey