Re: [PATCH] change default --format from gnu to posix

[Mike Frysinger]

On 09 Dec 2021 19:29, Paul Eggert wrote:
> On 12/9/21 18:40, Mike Frysinger wrote:
> > The posix standard has been released for over 20 years, and tar has
> > supported it for almost as long (at least since 2004).  The docs have
> > said the default will change in a future version for almost as long,
> > so lets finally actually switch it.
> 
> This sounds pretty abrupt. Among other things, it'll cause trouble with 
> reproducible builds. Surely there are good reasons we've delayed switching.
> 
> If we're going to switch, it might be better to make the process more 
> gradual and to give people more warning.

i mean, the docs have been warning that tar is going to change defaults
for almost 20 years.  that doesn't exactly sound abrubt.

if tar is not actually planning on switching to a format that is, by it's
own manual, better in terms of portability and features when compared to
the "gnu" default, then the manual probably should be changed.

or the tar maintainers can decide how they want to announce & roll out
the change.
-mike

signature.asc
Description: PGP signature