Re: [patch] improved version information

[Akim Demaille]

Gnits> We use `-' instead of words like `from', and avoid using the
Gnits> word `version' between names and numbers, in hope to escape the
Gnits> need of internationalising `--version' output.



Gnu> The first line is meant to be easy for a program to parse; the
Gnu> version number proper starts after the last space.  In addition,
Gnu> it contains the canonical name for this program, in this format:

Gnu> If the program is a subsidiary part of a larger package, mention
Gnu> the package name in parentheses, like this:

GNu>    emacsserver (GNU Emacs) 19.30

Gnu> If the package has a version number which is different from this
Gnu> program's version number, you can mention the package version
Gnu> number just before the close-parenthesis.


As a matter of fact, I still consider something is now broken.  I'm
asking for the patch that changed what we used to have to be
_reverted_.  I didn't get into the debate because frankly debating
about this on address@hidden does not interest me at all.  Autoconf
has a job, producing configure.  If people are not happy with the GNU
coding standards, then let's debate about it with RMS, not here.  We
have much more important things to debate about.

All I can see is that we are making it more difficult for programs to
parse --version.  And again, I am not kidding.  Programs such as card
and help2man are expecting strict formats for this, and I paid special
attention to be conform to their expectation.

It's all broken today.

Please, revert.

Humans are intelligent enough to properly read configure --version.
If they are not, then they are just _not_ concerned by this
information.  Formalism should not be broken to please novices.  I
really regret I gave up this debate and accepted this patch.

Please, revert.