Randy McMurchy wrote:
Alexander E. Patrakov wrote these words on 12/27/05 00:15 CST:
Forgot to say: if this variant is chosen, the LiveCD will continue using
Man-DB, because users can't be expected to do any configuration on the
LiveCD.
At this point, I think a new thread should be started, one where
the crux of the thread specifies definite alternatives. I've read
every message so far, and am nothing but confused.
Sorry.
Does this UTF-8 stuff require BDB or GDBM? No, wait, it doesn't
need either, but what is it that is required? The existing package
as it stand now with some minor modifications?
Please comment if you don't understand something below.
1) GDBM (or DB) is a required dependency of Man-DB, but is not a
required dependency of anything else in the LFS book.
2) The regular Man has problems both with output of its own messages
(solved by passing "+lang none") and requires a very non-trivial
configuration (that may confuse you as a reader as well, if it is added
to the book) in the case when the user chooses a UTF-8 based locale.
"non-trivial configuration" + "a lot of ifs" != "minor modifications".
3) There is Man-DB which "just works", that's why it is used.
Man-db or just regular man pages? Who knows, either can be used,
just some minor edits either way.
Man-db is a viewer for regular man pages.
Come on, lay it on the line.
:)
What exactly is required?
1) Ability for the "man" program to work in every locale (i.e. both
UTF-8 and traditional locales)
2) For the LiveCD only: the "man" program should work in every locale
without any configuration besides setting $LANG (Man fails here)
3) Complex instructions (like those in the "Hacks" section of the
man-i18n hint) have to be avoided because they are confusing. (Man fails
here)
How does it work?
Man: relies upon the user to set the NROFF, SOELIM, PAGER and similar
variables in /etc/man.conf. The defaults are suitable for traditional
8-bit locales. That's what is currently in the non-UTF-8 book.
Man-DB: looks at $LANG and constructs the manual page processing
pipeline according to $LANG. Knows all hacks, but requires a patched
version of Groff.
What changes to the book are required.
To BLFS: none.
To UTF-8 LFS, if Man is used: import the whole (long and maybe
confusing) "Hacks" section from man-i18n hint.
What other packages are required.
Man: packages in the traditional LFS book.
Man-DB: packages in the traditional LFS book plus (DB or GDBM).
We need definitive choices, with known end results to make a
valid decision. Alex, you must provide these alternatives in
a way that the community can choose which is best.
I hope I answered some of your questions. If something is still unclear,
please say so. My preference would be Man-DB + any database that works.
--
Alexander E. Patrakov
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