Re: Moving files from lisp/gnus/ to lisp/net/?

[Lars Magne Ingebrigtsen]

Simon Josefsson <address@hidden> writes:

> One potential problem with a multi-directory structure is how to build
> Gnus.  I'm not that familiar with the current code to build Gnus, but
> it is not as simple as 'emacs -f byte-compile-file foo.el' on each
> file.  Someone will have to experiment with getting a multi-directory
> structure into a buildable state.

I think getting a buildable Gnus package won't be all that much
work... 

> There is also the problem if getting users to modify their load-path's
> to accommodate the new Gnus layout.

... but this is a more serious problem.  Or does Emacs look into
sub-directories of load-path these days?

Of course, one could do some load-path trickery in gnus.el -- mangle
load-path when loading that file to reflect the new layout.  Which may
be slightly naughty.  (This is for Gnus distributed separately only;
not in Emacs, of course.)

> I wouldn't mind if the files stay as they are in Gnus CVS.  It seems
> the gains of a directory split are somewhat vague, and it isn't clear
> to me that a README.CVS wouldn't suffice.

Of the reasons Miles listed, I think the, er, "mental hygiene" one
was the most compelling.  When you know that file X is supposed to be
used independently of Gnus, you're more careful about adding the
wrong kinds of dependencies.

And that might be easier with separate directories, but it's not
necessary, though.

-- 
(domestic pets only, the antidote for overdose, milk.)
  address@hidden * Lars Magne Ingebrigtsen