On 1/11/08, Dan McGee <dpmcgee@gmail.com> wrote:
On Jan 11, 2008 10:51 AM, Xavier <shiningxc@gmail.com> wrote:
Travis Willard wrote:
http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?pid=315809#p315809
I see this happening all the time - people want to enable a repo, ONLY uncomment the Include line, then complain when it doesn't work. I know it's PEBKAC, but can anyone think of a way we could change the conf file to decrease the amount of times this happens?
Will an additional comment actually help? Is there a better way to get this point across, say reorganization of the file?
I agree, this issue is happening all the time. it's unbelievable. To be honest, this issue always reminds me of your sync / local split proposal (its goal was also limiting pebkac), so I was counting on you :) I already tried to think about reoganizing the file but didn't come up with anything.
We are not using a crazy config file. It is basically ini format, which is quite standard, and I don't know a better way to go. All I can say is adding a comment saying "# don't be a bonehead and UNCOMMENT the [repo] headers!" or something.
I'd make a patch for the conf file with a super comment warning against this, but I noticed all repo configuration was removed from pacman.conf in the pacman.git repo - maybe this discussion doesn't even belong on the pacman-dev list anymore? :P
Well, afaik the pacman package is on topic here, so even if the conf file is moved from the git repo to the package, this discussion still belongs here. You can always just attach the whole file. But I should rather let Dan answer since he knows better.
Comment is not a bad idea, although I just shake my head every time I see these threads. Editors do have syntax highlighting too, which makes this more obvious. I guess firing up the Gnome text editor as root probably doesn't though. :)
Even the best laid plans can be foiled by people who don't read documentation, or don't ask questions. Even my toaster came with a 'how to make toast' guide in the box. I liked the part about 'insert bread into toaster slots'. I say leave it as it is, and just include some verbiage in the arch install guide, and pacman man page about it.