Re: build system work

[Colin Campbell]

On 11-03-04 05:55 AM, Phil Holmes wrote:
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Graham Percival" 
> <address@hidden>
> To: "Phil Holmes" <address@hidden>
> Cc: "Lily devel" <address@hidden>
> Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 12:50 PM
> Subject: Re: build system work
>
>
> > On 3/4/11, Phil Holmes <address@hidden> wrote:
> > > I'm wondering whether we should actually start with a real Wiki - 
> > > like the
> > > one used for the regtests.  Doing this would mean that any work done 
> > > would
> > > be immediately visible, rather than having to pull git and make 
> > > docs, which
> > > would save me oodles of time (a technical phrase).
> >
> > I dislike wikis; it's yet one more markup format to learn, I can't
> > easily edit them with my normal text editor, they rely on having an
> > internet connection, there's no permanent record, and they don't fit
> > into the current development skills used for lilypond.  Also, once
> > you've built the docs once -- and if there's no build system changes
> > from the translations -- then rebuilding the CG is really fast, since
> > the CG doesn't include any @lilypond example.
> >
> > However, if you and Colin would find it easier to work on a wiki, then
> > by all means do so.  There's no point adding artificial constraints to
> > this task; it's hard enough as it is.  But please move material into
> > the CG from time to time (say, once a month?), otherwise we'll lose
> > whatever documentation you two write.
>
>
> I'll wait for Colin's thoughts.

I'm the noob here, so I'll defer to greater wisdom.  A couple of 
thoughts do occur, though: using the CG to collect discoveries, insights 
etc. has the virtues Graham points out, those of permanence and use of 
existing technologies, but it risks limiting contributions from those 
who don't build docs more than once. A wiki has the advantage of 
possibly wider input and access, but requires separate infrastructure.  
As a somewhat in between approach, I think we should try to keep the 
discussion visible to the devels and Frogs as much as possible, so they 
can feel free to chime in.  That suggests a special subject line on 
postings to -devel, or perhaps a separate list (Google group?), with 
filters on local e-maiul clients, if desired.  Patches can go to 
reitveld, again with a special subject line.  Work would be done in a 
new branch of the git repo. Perhaps Phil would take the lead on the 
project, and coordinate updates to the CG and git master.

Colin

--
The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance
of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who
have too little.
-Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd US President (1882-1945)