Re: [Monotone-devel] Re: Deleting branches

[Derek Scherger]

Bruce Stephens wrote:
> Peter Simons <address@hidden> writes:
>
> [...]
>
>
> > So I was wondering: Is it very difficult to implement these things
> > [deleting branches, etc.]? I honestly don't know, so I ask ... but
> > if it is not, I would recommend doing it _soon_, because I think
> > these options would really lift the usability of the tool to a new
> > level.
>
>
> I don't think it's technically hard.  There's a basic policy problem,
> in that configuration management systems tend to be built to avoid
> losing data.  

It's not hard code wise but the fact that things are distributed poses a bit of a problem. 
Deleted branches may reappear after syncing with someone who has not (yet?) deleted the 
branch.

Removing the concept of a collection (as graydon has mused previously) and using branch 
names (and globs) directly in netsync might help in terms of serving and syncing specific 
branches.

> However, I agree with you that something's needed.  Perhaps a lua hook
> that's called when listing branches and similar operations, that can
> hide some branches?  Probably augmented by a -all flag to "list

I think the idea of a lua hook like ignore_branch(name) might be a good idea. Although the 
exact implications of what this might do could be complicated. If all it does is hide them 
from list branches then it's about a 10 minute job. But branches are used in lots of 
places and whether such a hook should be consulted in varoius other instances would take 
some thinking. I suppose once the hook exists it could be applied to other cases as they 
arise.

Some netsync friendly way to rename a branch might also be good, but this does need to 
work in a way that your branches get renamed after syncing with me. A table of branch 
names and associated sha1 id's that are used in branch certs would work but starts to feel 
like branch names are being versioned.

> branches" so that you can see them when you really want to, or maybe
> "list all branches" or something.

Perhaps "monotone -norc ls branches" to avoid the ignore_branch hook?

The ignore hook was so easy I went ahead and wrote it. You can get it via netsync from 
www.echologic.com. Copy the ignore_file hook, rename it to ignore_branch and have fun.

Right away I wonder if netsync should consult this hook... ;)
--
Cheers,
Derek