[RFC] 2.4.11-dontuse packages

[RFC] 2.4.11-dontuse packages

[Andrew Ebling]

(Really for ftpadmin@kernel.org but CC'd to lkml for discussion
purposes.)

Dear Sir/Madam,

**Request for change regarding naming of 2.4.11-dontuse packages**

I am currently working on the patch-kernel scripts included with the 
kernel source code to add functionality to automate the process of
downloading and applying successive patches from the users nearest
kernel mirror.

Would it be possible to return the 2.4.11* packages to the standard
naming convention and use some other method to indicate that kernel
version 2.4.11 should not be used?  (e.g. put another empty file in the
directory called "patch-2.4.11-dont-use" rather than breaking the naming
convention).

Of course, I could put an ugly work around in the script for 2.4.11, but
keeping the standard naming convention would be a better solution.  I do
plan to warn users if they use the script to request kernel version
2.4.11, but unfortunately, use of the 2.4.11 patch is neccessary to get
to 2.4.12 and above.

Thank you for your time,

Andrew Ebling

Re: [RFC] 2.4.11-dontuse packages

[Andrew Ebling]

> Why don't you just assume that "dontuse" is the standard way to
> indicate a bad kernel, and ask Linus to use that convention in the
> future.  Since you want a way to warn users, this solution meets all
> needs nicely.
> 
> Of course, you have to convince Linus to be consistent in the
> future, but I bet this will be easier than convincing him to change
> something he's already done.  ;-)

Linus, Alan,

Would you be willing to make the "dontuse" suffix a consistent way of
indicating bad kernels in the ftp archives?

I am adding features to the patch-kernel script and would like to use
this as a test to trigger a warning and/or abort.

best regards,

Andrew Ebling

Re: [RFC] 2.4.11-dontuse packages

[Alan Cox]

> Linus, Alan,
> 
> Would you be willing to make the "dontuse" suffix a consistent way of
> indicating bad kernels in the ftp archives?

Its been consistent for a long time actually

Re: [RFC] 2.4.11-dontuse packages

[Chris Meadors]

On 30 Oct 2001, Andrew Ebling wrote:

> (Really for ftpadmin@kernel.org but CC'd to lkml for discussion
> purposes.)

I believe it was Linus that made the name change.

[Snip]

> Of course, I could put an ugly work around in the script for 2.4.11, but
> keeping the standard naming convention would be a better solution.  I do
> plan to warn users if they use the script to request kernel version
> 2.4.11, but unfortunately, use of the 2.4.11 patch is neccessary to get
> to 2.4.12 and above.

So you are already coding a special case in for 2.4.11 to give them the
warning.  Might as well take that special case and extend it to selecting
for file from the server.

I have a feeling the majority of the people browsing the kernel.org will
not be using your software.  It is probally best that the warning stays in
place for everyone, just so that kernel is avoided.

-Chris
-- 
Two penguins were walking on an iceberg.  The first penguin said to the
second, "you look like you are wearing a tuxedo."  The second penguin
said, "I might be..."                         --David Lynch, Twin Peaks