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Re: ITP dos2unix 5.2.1-1


On Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 03:52:36PM +0100, Erwin Waterlander wrote:
>On 03/16/2011 02:52 PM, Charles Wilson wrote:
>>
>> Then you're going to have to explain why the other implementation is
>> better (not just "but that's the one the linux people use": cygwin is
>
>Hi Chuck,
>
>I think it's a good argument. Most cygwin programs are ported from 
>Unix/Linux. Scripts that come from Linux don't need to be modified for 
>dos2unix any more with the version I propose.

It's only a good argument if you can point to messages where people have
been demonstrably confused or have needed to change scripts to deal with
different behavior.

>Quota from http://cygwin.com
>
>Cygwin is:
>   * a collection of tools which provide a Linux look and feel 
>environment for Windows.

That is true but these tools have been in the distro for years and I
don't recall any complaints.  That argues for a pragmatic "it's not
broke" philosophy.

>> * --auto mode (with 3 formats, dos/unix/mac, there is no "opposite")
>>    but that doesn't really matter for the explicit d2u/u2d variants.
>>    Only 'conv' needs to worry about --auto)
>
>There is no auto mode. But dos/unix/mac conversion is supported.
>I propose to keep 'conv'. So people who like conv's auto mode can still 
>use it.

cygwin-apps comprises only a limited subset of people who could be using
these tools.  We shouldn't just resolve to change behavior.  If it is
decided that this is something that needs to be addressed then we'll
have to poll the community.

>Additional features:
>* keep file date.
>* ISO and 7bit conversion like on SunOS
>* Internationalisation.
>
>> Now, I'm not opposed to removing u2d/d2u/dos2unix/unix2dos from
>> cygutils.  Less apps to support makes life easier for me.  I just don't
>> want to break anyone's existing setup, usage patterns, or scripts.
>
>The command-line options are not compatible, but the difference is not
>very big.  Most people will use it without options I guess.  It depends
>on what you are used to.  If you come from Linux or Cygwin.

This is, again, something that you can't assume.  We don't know how
people use these tools.  So, if we do decide to make the switch, you
will have to be dedicated to being active in responding to problem
reports on the mailing list.  And, if people here think it's a good idea
to move this along, we'll need to get some feedback from the larger
community.

cgf


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