Jonathan Nieder writes ("tech-ctte: please help maintainers of packages with a
"node" command to have a reasonable conversation"):
> The "node" and "nodejs" packages both provide a command named "node".
I'm disappointed to see this is still rumbling on. There is only one
correct solution, and it is this:
> In the long term, I would be happiest if both were renamed.
I think the TC should rule along the following lines:
1. We agree with the Policy requirements in this area.
2. In this case, neither package is entitled to this name.
3. All relevant packages must be changed (in unstable, experimental
and testing) not to provide a command "node". This means that
no package may:
- install a file "node" in any of the common PATH directories;
- install a manpage for a command "node";
- attempt by any other means to provide a command "node"; or
- declare conflicts against "nodejs" or "node";
except as approved by the TC, or as explicitly agreed by the
maintainers of both the "node" and "nodejs" packages, such
agreement to be notified to the TC.
4. If any package in unstable or experimental violates the rules
above later than <28 days from now>, this is cause for an NMU, and
in that case we specifically encourage the maintainer of the
competing package to make such an NMU. Each maintainer is
entitled to do this even if they have not yet fixed their own
package.
5. If such an NMU is needed the person doing it is entitled to simply
rename offending files in the package without considering
compatibility or transitional arrangements.
7. Bugs arising in Debian due to the renaming of either version of
"node" are bugs in the depending packages, not in any package
which no longer provides "node". Specifically, compatibility
issues due to the renaming should not block testing propagation of
the renamed packages.
8. If a fix is needed in testing and cannot be made expeditiously via
unstable, the potential NMUer should consult the release team to
ask how to proceed (perhaps an update via testing-proposed-updates
will help).
9. No package may in the future provide a command "node" without
permission from the TC.
This gives each maintainer 4 further weeks to construct and implement
a transition plan for their package. Such a transition plan is of
course something each maintainer should already have ready, since the
policy requirement is very clear. There is no further excuse for any
delay.
Ian.
--
To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-bugs-dist-requ...@lists.debian.org
with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org
