Re: Problem installing packages

[c.]

On 29 May 2012, at 18:56, Jordi Gutiérrez Hermoso wrote:

>> At the moment though, on OSX for example, we don't even have a reliable
>> binary distribution of the current release of Octave core.
> 
> Sure, but at least the source distribution there can be automated, so
> at least we know that *there* pkg install is likely to work.

so, to summarize the status on OSX as you describe it:

- the current suggested way to install Octave core on OSX is to use 
Fink/MacPorts/homebrew
- on Fink/MacPorts/homebrew "pkg install" works reasonably well, while binaries 
for OF packages do't exist 

why shouldn't we be suggesting to use "pkg install" on OSX then?

>> What makes you think we will find enough manpower to build and
>> maintain all the binary packages?

> I'm actually hoping that in the Apple case, getting more Octave users
> through the packaging system
> will attract someone to make a working
> .dmg. The 3.4.0 dmg was basically created in this way.

I am afraid on OSX things will work slightly differently:

- to be able to build a .dmg you must be experienced enough with Unix 
  tools to build Octave and its dependencies from scratch
- If you are xperienced enough with Unix tools to build Octave and its 
  dependencies from scratch you most likely don't need / don't like to use 
  a .dmg installer :)

that's probably why we currently have a few Octave/OF developers that are 
also OSX users but none of them (us) feels motivated enough to invest time on 
the 
binary installer ...

That said, I agree that having a .dmg with Octave.app as those that Thomas and 
Julienne
provided in the past would be great PR for Octavein the OSX user community, so 
if anyone 
is willing to take up this task I will offer support and testing as I have done 
in the past.

> - Jordi G. H.
c.