From a user point of view, a single repository isn't necessary if you are using yum or apt with a GUI front end such as yumi was in FC1. That is if the default yum.conf is actually setup correctly. Remember, there are many applications or add-ons that I really doubt will ever be in the Extra's for whatever reason. mp3's is just one example. There is a requirement for other repositories.
On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 09:34:06 +0100, Andy Green wrote:
|>(The idea in the link above that the solution to multiple repos |>is that there should only be one uber-repo, and that other guys should |>"submit" packages for inclusion in the uber-repo is unfortunate). | | What makes it "unfortunate"?
It comes over like a land-grab. "Cooperation is impossible"/submit/resistance is futile does not help.
Reading between the lines is counter-productive and is one source of misunderstandings. The page does not claim that cooperation would be "impossible". You quoted a paragraph yourself, which explains where fundamental problems are seen. The bottom of the page also comments on users' preferences, such as the desire to get as many add-ons as possible from a single place.
Cooperation is necessary to make Fedora as easy or easier to use than the major OS. The repositories must work towards a common base if this is to occur.
I have heard it so many times from people on other lists that say they tried Linux but could not find any software that they were looking for. Remember, many new users don't know about yum or apt or CLI to get applications.
| Have you ever before thought about how exactly collaboration between | multiple repositories could work? If so, care to share some thoughts?
Yeah. Have you thought about extending RPM?
An extended/enhanced RPM is _not_ something we have at the moment. It's not something that was available when Fedora at fedora.us was discussed. It's not ready. Hence it doesn't solve any problem. It doesn't remove the need for fine-grained packaging policies either, which extend up to the spec-file level.
Extending RPM is an option if it can allow for customization that some would like or demand. For some people, RPM just isn't the right option, nor is Fedora as they prefer much more customization.
For the repositories that don't want to cooperate with the base standard, then they must make it clear to users that they don't and make their packages show this. They should also provide a easy method to backout of their repository if a user so decides to. I say this from experience.
-- Robin Laing
