Arch Linux

thegnu

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2004-05-04

Posts: 280

Website

Optional dependencies...

I'm wondering if there is a way to require one of two optional dependencies in a PKGBUILD.  For example, mftrace requires that you install either autotrace or potrace.

If this isn't implemented, I think it would be a good idea.  Like dep=('autotrace/potrace')

Also, it would be cool to be able to have recommended but optional packages, and ask the user if he wants to install recommended packages as well.

What do you guys think?

---

fffft!

contrasutra

Member

From: New Jersey

Registered: 2003-07-26

Posts: 507

Re: Optional dependencies...

Well, right now you can use "provides" to have a sort of optional depends.

For example, the potrace and autotrace packages could both be built to provide "raytracer". Then the mftrace package would simply depend on a "raytracer".

Not quite the same, but it fills in some of the need.

---

"Contrary to popular belief, penguins are not the salvation of modern technology.  Neither do they throw parties for the urban proletariat."

dp

Member

From: Zürich, Switzerland

Registered: 2003-05-27

Posts: 3,378

Website

Re: Optional dependencies...

if they do not provide the same thing (e.g. x-server), but the pkg you want a dependency for needs to link to them, then the best way to go is to build it against both and make both a dependeny of it

---

The impossible missions are the only ones which succeed.