[RFC] Why FreeBSD ports should have branches by OS version

[Guido Falsi]

On 06/23/17 15:11, Baho Utot wrote:
> 
> 
> On 06/23/17 04:53, Guido Falsi wrote:
>> On 06/23/17 10:26, demelier.david at gmail.com wrote:
>>> On Thu, 2017-06-22 at 11:57 -0700, Dave Hayes wrote:
>>>> Would you agree that release branches would be unnecessary if
>>>> somehow
>>>> you could select the version of node that the ports tree builds via
>>>> some
>>>> (as yet unspecified) mechanism?
>>>
>>> I've also think about that but I'm not sure if it's easier than having
>>> frozen release branches.
>>
>> I usually stay away from this kind of threads, but I'd like to point
>> out a very simple concept that has not been expressed.
>>
>> The ports tree repository is fully open source, available via
>> subversion from the FreeBSD project and also mirrored on github. There
>> is absolutely nothing stopping you(and anyone with time, skill and
>> willingness to help you) from starting your fork from whichever source
>> and using whatever tool you prefer, creating the branches you're
>> describing.
>>
>> If your model works fine I'm quite sure the FreeBSD community and
>> project will be quite happy to embrace it.
>>
>> As stated, the FreeBSD project (core, portmgr and committers) perceive
>> a manpower problem in relation to implementing what you describe. In
>> this thread it has been stated that such a manpower problem does not
>> really exist. I cannot think of a better way to show there actually is
>> no manpower problem than creating a working example of such a workflow
>> maintained by just a few people with little effort, as you said
>> repeatedly.
>>
>> On other hand demanding and/or insisting that others implement your
>> idea when they clearly disagree with you is not very constructive.
>>
>> In relation to the suggestion of a stable or release ports branch:
>>
>> I'd also like a ports branch where things are merged only when really
>> needed, some kind of "stable" branch. I don't like the release way you
>> describe, but maybe it could actually work as an option, but I too see
>> the manpower problem. An actual working proof of concept like I
>> described above is the only thing that would persuade me I'm wrong
>> about that.
>>
>> (I could try to help with such an experiment but I don't know how much
>> time I could really spare for it)
>>
> 
> Ok, since you are taking the lead on this......

Since when "help with" is a synonym of "lead this effort"?

> 
> When do we start?
>> Where shall I post my repository to?
> 
> And updates?
> 
> Should the start be for the 12.0 branch or should earlier?
> 
> I can start on packaging the base system some time August is that ok
> with you and will it fit your schedule?

I'm curious to know which paragraph is the sarcasm especially directed
at, if the first or the last, in parenthesis and meant at giving hand if
someone else has a clear plan. I can't see me leading an effort I
clearly stated I don't think has many chances. Maybe I was not perfectly
clear.

-- 
Guido Falsi <madpilot at FreeBSD.org>