Donn, On Sunday 24 July 2005 06:26, Donn Washburn wrote:
Hey Group;
Why is there /etc/alternatives? Shades of Debian!
My stock answer to "why" questions is "why ask why?" But that's just because I think it's funny.
Why is /usr/bin/java linked to /etc/alternatives/java which linked to /usr/bin/java-#. Why not /usr/bin/java linked /usr/bin/usr/bin/java-#
SuSE 9.3 supports both Java 1.4.2 and 1.5.0 (a.k.a. Java 5.0). While compatibility upward to 5.0 is pretty good, it's not perfect, so for practical purposes, it's too early to support only 1.5.0 / 5.0. On the other hand, some software now requires or prefers the new Java, and SuSE Professional's philosophy is to embrace new packages (something I appreciate greatly), so they're left with the need to offer both, and that includes both installed at the same time. Hence, /etc/alternatives.
Why is /usr/lib/jvm/files linked to /etc/alternatives/files which is linked to /usr/lib/jvm/files. A loop.
Yes, as delivered in the 9.3 DVDs, there are loops. Install all the Java packages you're going to use and then run YOU to get them fixed.
Why complicate a previously very simple straight forward system?
Why ask "why?" Randall Schulz