Re: [PATCH] change default --format from gnu to posix

[Sergey Poznyakoff]

Hello,

Apologies for not being able to reply earlier.  I have missed a long
discussion, so allow me to put in my 2 cents.

Indeed, back in 2004 it was me who updated the docs with the suggestion
that this format "will be the default format for future versions
of GNU tar".  I must admit, it was easier written than done, for the
compatibility reasons described by Paul.  However, I still think that
this switch should be done.

Regarding reproducible build concerns, expressed by Paul: I don't
believe it is an issue.  Reproducible tarballs in PAX format are
easily made with the following option:

  --pax-option=exthdr.name=%d/PaxHeaders/%f,atime:=0,ctime:=0

(btw, it is mentioned in the tar docs as well).

That all being said, I think that we should begin with the PATCH 1/2.

Best regards,
Sergey