On 15 Dec 2015 15:56, Ulrich Mueller wrote: > >>>>> On Tue, 15 Dec 2015, Mike Frysinger wrote: > > > a flat text file akin to /etc/passwd is not readable. xml is readable. > > ESR's case study about the password file format seems to disagree: > http://www.catb.org/esr/writings/taoup/html/ch05s01.html#id2901332
because you cited it, i read it anyways. that document is about how text formats should be preferred over binary formats because they do not require custom tools to modify/update, and because it's easier for binary formats to screw themselves over from a portability/extensible pov. it does not champion the passwd format all by itself, and even says that it's a bit rigid, and you should consider tagged formats if you want something more. which we do. see also the example i posted to Alec as why the format is hostile to devs whereas my simple RST proposal has none of these issues. we also know the format works because it's been in use by CrOS for two years now, including: (1) profile stacking/overrides (2) marking users as "dead" (3) tools to verify/check consistency at rest (4) parallel installs (5) correct handling of ROOT and SYSROOT although 4/5 were written only with Linux/flat files in mind, so they do not support other OS's or account formats (e.g. ldap/etc...). i imagine we'll need to merge with the existing user.eclass logic rather than drop in replace. -mike
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