Hello, Regarding conflicts like that between "slang-slirp" and "slirp". (see recent bugs filed by Michael Ablassmeier <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/[EMAIL PROTECTED] ).
I feel that this a currently an area not addressed by policy sufficiently well. Assume that: 1. There are substantial sized communities within and outside Debian that for each of the binaries named "/usr/bin/slirp" (which provide entirely different functions). 2. That it is quite possible for someone to want the functionality of both programs on one installation. (For example, for different users of one system). In such a situation it would be incorrect to insist that one of the packages use a binary with a different name---because of (1). It would also be incorrect to use "Conflicts:"---because of (2). Currently, the only available solution is to use "alternatives". I know that this is not considered to be the correct use of alternatives which is meant to address different programs providing the same functionality. However, this is an alternative use (sorry couldn't resist :)) of alternatives. Perhaps we could use a different namespace like "choices" instead of "alternatives" as a way of distinguishing the objectives. The actual mechanisms could be similar (or even identical) to that of "alternatives". Regards, Kapil. --
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