Re: bioinfo package - maintenance of ...

[Alois Schloegl]

On 2017-12-18 09:04, Olaf Till wrote:
> On Sun, Dec 17, 2017 at 09:44:17PM +0100, Alois Schloegl wrote:
>> Dear Octave maintainers,
>>
>>
>> for several years, the bioinfo package does not have maintainer, I've
>> been adding three functions, and would like to maintain that package.
>>
>> However, it is important to me, that this code can be used under matlab
>> as well, which means coding style that would work only in Octave but not
>> in Matlab would be a problem, and I could not contribute. Essentially,
>> I'd need to find or start another repository for maintaining these
>> functions.
>>
>> Therefore, I'm asking whether it would be ok with you, if I take the
>> role of a maintainer for the bioinfo package.
>>
>>
>> Best regards,
>>   Alois
> 
> FTR, after pointing out that the existing functions of this package
> comply with Octave coding style, the following had been my
> (unanswered) reply to this request at
> 
> https://sourceforge.net/p/octave/package-releases/322/ :
> 
> I understand the need for running code both in Octave and in
> Matlab. But if the code is to be maintained in collaboration, it can't
> be kept in a style which deviates from the standard style of the
> collaborating group.
> 
> I understand, too, that this removes your motivation to maintain the
> code within the bioinfo package. But still, if you are willing to
> contribute your new code as it is, GPL3+ licensed, this would be
> nice. You could do it at the patch tracker. Since the bioinfo package
> is currently comparatively simply structured, others (even me) could
> take the task of adapting your code to Octave style. And since making
> a bioinfo release is currently also comparatively simple, I can
> probably do it myself once I get a hint that it's suitable to make a
> new one.
> 
> Could you accept this compromise? If yes, do you give me leave to
> adapt your current new code and to make a release?


Dear Olaf,


If you insist on a coding style that is incompatible to Mat*ab, I'll
need to setup another repository. My prefered solution would be not
doing that, but maintaining the code within the current repo. Since the
code is licensed with the GPL, the code is Free anyway, so it will not
be a big issue either way. There is "just" the additional effort of
maintaining two code bases - something I'd prefer to avoid.

Still, I'm hoping that it's acceptable to use a compatible coding style
within OF. Since the bioinfo package has no maintainer for several
years, I thought I can contribute here.


> 
> BTW, there are some style elements which can be adhered to without
> abolishing Matlab compatibility, as our rules for spaces. It would
> help if you adhered to these, at least.

Sure, that should be no problem at all.

Best,
  Alois


> 
> Olaf
>