annotate man/standards.texi @ 5501:4813ff11c6e2

Correct the definition of #'cl-non-fixnum-number-p on 32-bit machines. 2011-05-06 Aidan Kehoe <kehoea@parhasard.net> * cl-macs.el (most-positive-fixnum-on-32-bit-machines): Correct this, I had an off-by-one error (because I was developing on a 64-bit machine). Thanks for the report, Raymond Toy!
author Aidan Kehoe <kehoea@parhasard.net>
date Fri, 06 May 2011 10:37:14 +0100
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1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
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2 @c %**start of header
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3 @setfilename ../info/standards.info
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4 @settitle GNU Coding Standards
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5 @c In GNU Emacs, this date is automagically updated when this file is
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6 @c saved, but in XEmacs you must set it when synching:
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7 @set lastupdate February 21, 2001
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8 @c %**end of header
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9
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11 @format
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12 START-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
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13 * Standards: (standards). GNU coding standards.
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14 END-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
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15 @end format
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16 @end ifinfo
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18 @c @setchapternewpage odd
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21 @c Put everything in one index (arbitrarily chosen to be the concept index).
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22 @syncodeindex fn cp
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23 @syncodeindex ky cp
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24 @syncodeindex pg cp
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25 @syncodeindex vr cp
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26
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27 @c This is used by a cross ref in make-stds.texi
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28 @set CODESTD 1
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29 @iftex
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30 @set CHAPTER chapter
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31 @end iftex
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32 @ifinfo
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33 @set CHAPTER node
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34 @end ifinfo
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35
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36 @ifinfo
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37 GNU Coding Standards
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38 Copyright (C) 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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39
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40 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
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41 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
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42 are preserved on all copies.
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43
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44 @ignore
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45 Permission is granted to process this file through TeX and print the
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46 results, provided the printed document carries copying permission
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47 notice identical to this one except for the removal of this paragraph
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48 (this paragraph not being relevant to the printed manual).
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49 @end ignore
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50
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51 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
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52 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided that the entire
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53 resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a permission
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54 notice identical to this one.
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55
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56 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
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57 into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions,
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58 except that this permission notice may be stated in a translation approved
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59 by the Free Software Foundation.
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60 @end ifinfo
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61
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62 @titlepage
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63 @title GNU Coding Standards
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64 @author Richard Stallman
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65 @author last updated @value{lastupdate}
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66 @page
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67
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68 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
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69 Copyright @copyright{} 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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71 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
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72 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
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73 are preserved on all copies.
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74
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75 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
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76 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided that the entire
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77 resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a permission
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78 notice identical to this one.
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79
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80 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
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81 into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions,
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82 except that this permission notice may be stated in a translation approved
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83 by the Free Software Foundation.
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84 @end titlepage
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85
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86 @ifinfo
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87 @node Top, Preface, (dir), (dir)
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88 @top Version
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89
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90 Last updated @value{lastupdate}.
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91 @end ifinfo
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92
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93 @menu
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94 * Preface:: About the GNU Coding Standards
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95 * Legal Issues:: Keeping Free Software Free
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96 * Design Advice:: General Program Design
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97 * Program Behavior:: Program Behavior for All Programs
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98 * Writing C:: Making The Best Use of C
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99 * Documentation:: Documenting Programs
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100 * Managing Releases:: The Release Process
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101 * References:: References to Non-Free Software or Documentation
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102 * Index::
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103 @end menu
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104
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105 @node Preface
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106 @chapter About the GNU Coding Standards
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107
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108 The GNU Coding Standards were written by Richard Stallman and other GNU
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109 Project volunteers. Their purpose is to make the GNU system clean,
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110 consistent, and easy to install. This document can also be read as a
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111 guide to writing portable, robust and reliable programs. It focuses on
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112 programs written in C, but many of the rules and principles are useful
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113 even if you write in another programming language. The rules often
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114 state reasons for writing in a certain way.
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115
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116 Corrections or suggestions for this document should be sent to
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117 @email{bug-standards@@gnu.org}. If you make a suggestion, please include a
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118 suggested new wording for it; our time is limited. We prefer a context
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119 diff to the @file{standards.texi} or @file{make-stds.texi} files, but if
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120 you don't have those files, please mail your suggestion anyway.
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121
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122 This release of the GNU Coding Standards was last updated
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123 @value{lastupdate}.
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124
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125 @cindex where to obtain @code{standards.texi}
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126 @cindex downloading this manual
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127 If you did not obtain this file directly from the GNU project and
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128 recently, please check for a newer version. You can ftp the GNU Coding
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129 Standards from any GNU FTP host in the directory
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130 @file{/pub/gnu/standards/}. The GNU Coding Standards are available
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131 there in several different formats: @file{standards.text},
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132 @file{standards.texi}, @file{standards.info}, and @file{standards.dvi}.
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133 The GNU Coding Standards are also available on the GNU World Wide Web
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134 server: @uref{http://www.gnu.org/prep/standards_toc.html}.
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135
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136 @node Legal Issues
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137 @chapter Keeping Free Software Free
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138 @cindex legal aspects
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139
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140 This @value{CHAPTER} discusses how you can make sure that GNU software
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141 avoids legal difficulties, and other related issues.
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142
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143 @menu
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144 * Reading Non-Free Code:: Referring to Proprietary Programs
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145 * Contributions:: Accepting Contributions
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146 * Trademarks:: How We Deal with Trademark Issues
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147 @end menu
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148
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149 @node Reading Non-Free Code
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150 @section Referring to Proprietary Programs
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151 @cindex proprietary programs
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152 @cindex avoiding proprietary code
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153
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154 Don't in any circumstances refer to Unix source code for or during
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155 your work on GNU! (Or to any other proprietary programs.)
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156
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157 If you have a vague recollection of the internals of a Unix program,
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158 this does not absolutely mean you can't write an imitation of it, but
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159 do try to organize the imitation internally along different lines,
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160 because this is likely to make the details of the Unix version
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161 irrelevant and dissimilar to your results.
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162
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163 For example, Unix utilities were generally optimized to minimize
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164 memory use; if you go for speed instead, your program will be very
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165 different. You could keep the entire input file in core and scan it
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166 there instead of using stdio. Use a smarter algorithm discovered more
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167 recently than the Unix program. Eliminate use of temporary files. Do
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168 it in one pass instead of two (we did this in the assembler).
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169
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170 Or, on the contrary, emphasize simplicity instead of speed. For some
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171 applications, the speed of today's computers makes simpler algorithms
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172 adequate.
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173
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174 Or go for generality. For example, Unix programs often have static
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175 tables or fixed-size strings, which make for arbitrary limits; use
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176 dynamic allocation instead. Make sure your program handles NULs and
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177 other funny characters in the input files. Add a programming language
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178 for extensibility and write part of the program in that language.
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179
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180 Or turn some parts of the program into independently usable libraries.
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181 Or use a simple garbage collector instead of tracking precisely when
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182 to free memory, or use a new GNU facility such as obstacks.
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183
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184 @node Contributions
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185 @section Accepting Contributions
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186 @cindex legal papers
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187 @cindex accepting contributions
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188
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189 If the program you are working on is copyrighted by the Free Software
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190 Foundation, then when someone else sends you a piece of code to add to
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191 the program, we need legal papers to use it---just as we asked you to
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192 sign papers initially. @emph{Each} person who makes a nontrivial
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193 contribution to a program must sign some sort of legal papers in order
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194 for us to have clear title to the program; the main author alone is not
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195 enough.
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196
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197 So, before adding in any contributions from other people, please tell
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198 us, so we can arrange to get the papers. Then wait until we tell you
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199 that we have received the signed papers, before you actually use the
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200 contribution.
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201
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202 This applies both before you release the program and afterward. If
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203 you receive diffs to fix a bug, and they make significant changes, we
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204 need legal papers for that change.
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205
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206 This also applies to comments and documentation files. For copyright
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207 law, comments and code are just text. Copyright applies to all kinds of
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208 text, so we need legal papers for all kinds.
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209
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210 We know it is frustrating to ask for legal papers; it's frustrating for
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211 us as well. But if you don't wait, you are going out on a limb---for
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212 example, what if the contributor's employer won't sign a disclaimer?
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213 You might have to take that code out again!
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214
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215 You don't need papers for changes of a few lines here or there, since
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216 they are not significant for copyright purposes. Also, you don't need
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217 papers if all you get from the suggestion is some ideas, not actual code
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218 which you use. For example, if someone send you one implementation, but
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219 you write a different implementation of the same idea, you don't need to
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220 get papers.
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221
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222 The very worst thing is if you forget to tell us about the other
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223 contributor. We could be very embarrassed in court some day as a
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224 result.
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225
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226 We have more detailed advice for maintainers of programs; if you have
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227 reached the stage of actually maintaining a program for GNU (whether
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228 released or not), please ask us for a copy.
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229
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230 @node Trademarks
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231 @section Trademarks
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232 @cindex trademarks
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233
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234 Please do not include any trademark acknowledgements in GNU software
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235 packages or documentation.
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236
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237 Trademark acknowledgements are the statements that such-and-such is a
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238 trademark of so-and-so. The GNU Project has no objection to the basic
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239 idea of trademarks, but these acknowledgements feel like kowtowing, so
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240 we don't use them. There is no legal requirement for them.
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241
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242 What is legally required, as regards other people's trademarks, is to
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243 avoid using them in ways which a reader might read as naming or labeling
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244 our own programs or activities. For example, since ``Objective C'' is
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245 (or at least was) a trademark, we made sure to say that we provide a
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246 ``compiler for the Objective C language'' rather than an ``Objective C
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247 compiler''. The latter is meant to be short for the former, but it does
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248 not explicitly state the relationship, so it could be misinterpreted as
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249 using ``Objective C'' as a label for the compiler rather than for the
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250 language.
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251
428
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252 @node Design Advice
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253 @chapter General Program Design
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254 @cindex program design
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255
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256 This @value{CHAPTER} discusses some of the issues you should take into
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257 account when designing your program.
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258
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259 @c Standard or ANSI C
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260 @c
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261 @c In 1989 the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standardized
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262 @c C as standard X3.159-1989. In December of that year the
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263 @c International Standards Organization ISO adopted the ANSI C standard
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264 @c making minor changes. In 1990 ANSI then re-adopted ISO standard
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265 @c C. This version of C is known as either ANSI C or Standard C.
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266
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267 @c A major revision of the C Standard appeared in 1999.
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268
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269 @menu
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270 * Source Language:: Which languges to use.
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271 * Compatibility:: Compatibility with other implementations
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272 * Using Extensions:: Using non-standard features
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273 * Standard C:: Using Standard C features
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274 @end menu
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275
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276 @node Source Language
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277 @section Which Languages to Use
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278 @cindex programming languges
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279
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280 When you want to use a language that gets compiled and runs at high
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281 speed, the best language to use is C. Using another language is like
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282 using a non-standard feature: it will cause trouble for users. Even if
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283 GCC supports the other language, users may find it inconvenient to have
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284 to install the compiler for that other language in order to build your
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285 program. For example, if you write your program in C++, people will
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286 have to install the GNU C++ compiler in order to compile your program.
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287
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288 C has one other advantage over C++ and other compiled languages: more
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289 people know C, so more people will find it easy to read and modify the
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290 program if it is written in C.
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291
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292 So in general it is much better to use C, rather than the
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293 comparable alternatives.
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294
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295 But there are two exceptions to that conclusion:
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296
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297 @itemize @bullet
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298 @item
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299 It is no problem to use another language to write a tool specifically
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300 intended for use with that language. That is because the only people
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301 who want to build the tool will be those who have installed the other
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302 language anyway.
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303
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304 @item
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305 If an application is of interest only to a narrow part of the community,
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306 then the question of which language it is written in has less effect on
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307 other people, so you may as well please yourself.
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308 @end itemize
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309
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310 Many programs are designed to be extensible: they include an interpreter
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311 for a language that is higher level than C. Often much of the program
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312 is written in that language, too. The Emacs editor pioneered this
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313 technique.
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314
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315 @cindex GUILE
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316 The standard extensibility interpreter for GNU software is GUILE, which
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317 implements the language Scheme (an especially clean and simple dialect
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318 of Lisp). @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/guile/}. We don't reject
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319 programs written in other ``scripting languages'' such as Perl and
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320 Python, but using GUILE is very important for the overall consistency of
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321 the GNU system.
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322
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323 @node Compatibility
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324 @section Compatibility with Other Implementations
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325 @cindex compatibility with C and @sc{posix} standards
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326 @cindex @sc{posix} compatibility
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327
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328 With occasional exceptions, utility programs and libraries for GNU
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329 should be upward compatible with those in Berkeley Unix, and upward
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330 compatible with Standard C if Standard C specifies their
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331 behavior, and upward compatible with @sc{posix} if @sc{posix} specifies
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332 their behavior.
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333
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334 When these standards conflict, it is useful to offer compatibility
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335 modes for each of them.
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336
462
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337 @cindex options for compatibility
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338 Standard C and @sc{posix} prohibit many kinds of extensions. Feel
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339 free to make the extensions anyway, and include a @samp{--ansi},
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340 @samp{--posix}, or @samp{--compatible} option to turn them off.
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341 However, if the extension has a significant chance of breaking any real
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342 programs or scripts, then it is not really upward compatible. So you
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343 should try to redesign its interface to make it upward compatible.
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344
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345 @cindex @code{POSIXLY_CORRECT}, environment variable
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346 Many GNU programs suppress extensions that conflict with @sc{posix} if the
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347 environment variable @code{POSIXLY_CORRECT} is defined (even if it is
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348 defined with a null value). Please make your program recognize this
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349 variable if appropriate.
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350
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351 When a feature is used only by users (not by programs or command
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352 files), and it is done poorly in Unix, feel free to replace it
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353 completely with something totally different and better. (For example,
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354 @code{vi} is replaced with Emacs.) But it is nice to offer a compatible
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355 feature as well. (There is a free @code{vi} clone, so we offer it.)
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356
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357 Additional useful features are welcome regardless of whether
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358 there is any precedent for them.
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359
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360 @node Using Extensions
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361 @section Using Non-standard Features
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362 @cindex non-standard extensions
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363
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364 Many GNU facilities that already exist support a number of convenient
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365 extensions over the comparable Unix facilities. Whether to use these
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366 extensions in implementing your program is a difficult question.
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367
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368 On the one hand, using the extensions can make a cleaner program.
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369 On the other hand, people will not be able to build the program
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370 unless the other GNU tools are available. This might cause the
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371 program to work on fewer kinds of machines.
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372
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373 With some extensions, it might be easy to provide both alternatives.
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374 For example, you can define functions with a ``keyword'' @code{INLINE}
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375 and define that as a macro to expand into either @code{inline} or
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376 nothing, depending on the compiler.
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377
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378 In general, perhaps it is best not to use the extensions if you can
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379 straightforwardly do without them, but to use the extensions if they
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380 are a big improvement.
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381
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382 An exception to this rule are the large, established programs (such as
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383 Emacs) which run on a great variety of systems. Using GNU extensions in
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384 such programs would make many users unhappy, so we don't do that.
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385
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386 Another exception is for programs that are used as part of compilation:
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387 anything that must be compiled with other compilers in order to
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388 bootstrap the GNU compilation facilities. If these require the GNU
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389 compiler, then no one can compile them without having them installed
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390 already. That would be extremely troublesome in certain cases.
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391
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392 @node Standard C
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393 @section Standard C and Pre-Standard C
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394 @cindex @sc{ansi} C standard
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395
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396 1989 Standard C is widespread enough now that it is ok to use its
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397 features in new programs. There is one exception: do not ever use the
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398 ``trigraph'' feature of Standard C.
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399
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400 1999 Standard C is not widespread yet, so please do not require its
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401 features in programs. It is ok to use its features if they are present.
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402
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403 However, it is easy to support pre-standard compilers in most programs,
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404 so if you know how to do that, feel free. If a program you are
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405 maintaining has such support, you should try to keep it working.
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406
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407 @cindex function prototypes
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408 To support pre-standard C, instead of writing function definitions in
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409 standard prototype form,
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410
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411 @example
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412 int
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413 foo (int x, int y)
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414 @dots{}
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415 @end example
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416
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417 @noindent
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418 write the definition in pre-standard style like this,
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419
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420 @example
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421 int
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422 foo (x, y)
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423 int x, y;
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424 @dots{}
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425 @end example
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426
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427 @noindent
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428 and use a separate declaration to specify the argument prototype:
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429
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430 @example
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431 int foo (int, int);
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432 @end example
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433
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434 You need such a declaration anyway, in a header file, to get the benefit
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435 of prototypes in all the files where the function is called. And once
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436 you have the declaration, you normally lose nothing by writing the
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437 function definition in the pre-standard style.
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438
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439 This technique does not work for integer types narrower than @code{int}.
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440 If you think of an argument as being of a type narrower than @code{int},
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441 declare it as @code{int} instead.
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442
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443 There are a few special cases where this technique is hard to use. For
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444 example, if a function argument needs to hold the system type
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445 @code{dev_t}, you run into trouble, because @code{dev_t} is shorter than
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446 @code{int} on some machines; but you cannot use @code{int} instead,
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447 because @code{dev_t} is wider than @code{int} on some machines. There
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448 is no type you can safely use on all machines in a non-standard
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449 definition. The only way to support non-standard C and pass such an
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450 argument is to check the width of @code{dev_t} using Autoconf and choose
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451 the argument type accordingly. This may not be worth the trouble.
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452
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453 In order to support pre-standard compilers that do not recognize
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454 prototypes, you may want to use a preprocessor macro like this:
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455
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456 @example
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457 /* Declare the prototype for a general external function. */
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458 #if defined (__STDC__) || defined (WINDOWSNT)
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459 #define P_(proto) proto
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460 #else
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461 #define P_(proto) ()
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462 #endif
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463 @end example
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464
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465 @node Program Behavior
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466 @chapter Program Behavior for All Programs
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467
462
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468 This @value{CHAPTER} describes conventions for writing robust
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469 software. It also describes general standards for error messages, the
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470 command line interface, and how libraries should behave.
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471
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472 @menu
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473 * Semantics:: Writing robust programs
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474 * Libraries:: Library behavior
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475 * Errors:: Formatting error messages
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476 * User Interfaces:: Standards about interfaces generally
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477 * Graphical Interfaces:: Standards for graphical interfaces
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478 * Command-Line Interfaces:: Standards for command line interfaces
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479 * Option Table:: Table of long options
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480 * Memory Usage:: When and how to care about memory needs
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481 * File Usage:: Which files to use, and where
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482 @end menu
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483
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484 @node Semantics
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485 @section Writing Robust Programs
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486
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487 @cindex arbitrary limits on data
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488 Avoid arbitrary limits on the length or number of @emph{any} data
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489 structure, including file names, lines, files, and symbols, by allocating
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490 all data structures dynamically. In most Unix utilities, ``long lines
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491 are silently truncated''. This is not acceptable in a GNU utility.
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492
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493 @cindex @code{NUL} characters
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494 Utilities reading files should not drop NUL characters, or any other
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495 nonprinting characters @emph{including those with codes above 0177}.
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496 The only sensible exceptions would be utilities specifically intended
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497 for interface to certain types of terminals or printers
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498 that can't handle those characters.
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499 Whenever possible, try to make programs work properly with
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500 sequences of bytes that represent multibyte characters, using encodings
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501 such as UTF-8 and others.
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502
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503 @cindex error messages
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504 Check every system call for an error return, unless you know you wish to
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505 ignore errors. Include the system error text (from @code{perror} or
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506 equivalent) in @emph{every} error message resulting from a failing
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507 system call, as well as the name of the file if any and the name of the
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508 utility. Just ``cannot open foo.c'' or ``stat failed'' is not
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509 sufficient.
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510
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511 @cindex @code{malloc} return value
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512 @cindex memory allocation failure
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513 Check every call to @code{malloc} or @code{realloc} to see if it
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514 returned zero. Check @code{realloc} even if you are making the block
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515 smaller; in a system that rounds block sizes to a power of 2,
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516 @code{realloc} may get a different block if you ask for less space.
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517
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518 In Unix, @code{realloc} can destroy the storage block if it returns
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519 zero. GNU @code{realloc} does not have this bug: if it fails, the
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520 original block is unchanged. Feel free to assume the bug is fixed. If
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521 you wish to run your program on Unix, and wish to avoid lossage in this
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522 case, you can use the GNU @code{malloc}.
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523
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524 You must expect @code{free} to alter the contents of the block that was
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
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525 freed. Anything you want to fetch from the block, you must fetch before
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
526 calling @code{free}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
527
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
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diff changeset
528 If @code{malloc} fails in a noninteractive program, make that a fatal
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
529 error. In an interactive program (one that reads commands from the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
530 user), it is better to abort the command and return to the command
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
531 reader loop. This allows the user to kill other processes to free up
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
532 virtual memory, and then try the command again.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
533
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
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parents: 428
diff changeset
534 @cindex command-line arguments, decoding
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
535 Use @code{getopt_long} to decode arguments, unless the argument syntax
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
536 makes this unreasonable.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
537
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
538 When static storage is to be written in during program execution, use
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
539 explicit C code to initialize it. Reserve C initialized declarations
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
540 for data that will not be changed.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
541 @c ADR: why?
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
542
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
543 Try to avoid low-level interfaces to obscure Unix data structures (such
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
544 as file directories, utmp, or the layout of kernel memory), since these
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
545 are less likely to work compatibly. If you need to find all the files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
546 in a directory, use @code{readdir} or some other high-level interface.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
547 These are supported compatibly by GNU.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
548
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
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parents: 428
diff changeset
549 @cindex signal handling
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
550 The preferred signal handling facilities are the BSD variant of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
551 @code{signal}, and the @sc{posix} @code{sigaction} function; the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
552 alternative USG @code{signal} interface is an inferior design.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
553
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
554 Nowadays, using the @sc{posix} signal functions may be the easiest way
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
555 to make a program portable. If you use @code{signal}, then on GNU/Linux
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
556 systems running GNU libc version 1, you should include
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
557 @file{bsd/signal.h} instead of @file{signal.h}, so as to get BSD
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
558 behavior. It is up to you whether to support systems where
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
559 @code{signal} has only the USG behavior, or give up on them.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
560
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
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parents: 428
diff changeset
561 @cindex impossible conditions
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
562 In error checks that detect ``impossible'' conditions, just abort.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
563 There is usually no point in printing any message. These checks
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
564 indicate the existence of bugs. Whoever wants to fix the bugs will have
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
565 to read the source code and run a debugger. So explain the problem with
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
566 comments in the source. The relevant data will be in variables, which
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
567 are easy to examine with the debugger, so there is no point moving them
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
568 elsewhere.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
569
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
570 Do not use a count of errors as the exit status for a program.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
571 @emph{That does not work}, because exit status values are limited to 8
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
572 bits (0 through 255). A single run of the program might have 256
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
573 errors; if you try to return 256 as the exit status, the parent process
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
574 will see 0 as the status, and it will appear that the program succeeded.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
575
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
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parents: 428
diff changeset
576 @cindex temporary files
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
577 @cindex @code{TMPDIR} environment variable
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
578 If you make temporary files, check the @code{TMPDIR} environment
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
579 variable; if that variable is defined, use the specified directory
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
580 instead of @file{/tmp}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
581
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
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parents: 428
diff changeset
582 In addition, be aware that there is a possible security problem when
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
583 creating temporary files in world-writable directories. In C, you can
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
584 avoid this problem by creating temporary files in this manner:
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
585
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
586 @example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
587 fd = open(filename, O_WRONLY | O_CREAT | O_EXCL, 0600);
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
588 @end example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
589
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
590 @noindent
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
591 or by using the @code{mkstemps} function from libiberty.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
592
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
593 In bash, use @code{set -C} to avoid this problem.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
594
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
595 @node Libraries
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
596 @section Library Behavior
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
597 @cindex libraries
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
598
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
599 Try to make library functions reentrant. If they need to do dynamic
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
600 storage allocation, at least try to avoid any nonreentrancy aside from
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
601 that of @code{malloc} itself.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
602
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
603 Here are certain name conventions for libraries, to avoid name
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
604 conflicts.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
605
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
606 Choose a name prefix for the library, more than two characters long.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
607 All external function and variable names should start with this
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
608 prefix. In addition, there should only be one of these in any given
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
609 library member. This usually means putting each one in a separate
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
610 source file.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
611
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
612 An exception can be made when two external symbols are always used
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
613 together, so that no reasonable program could use one without the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
614 other; then they can both go in the same file.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
615
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
616 External symbols that are not documented entry points for the user
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
617 should have names beginning with @samp{_}. The @samp{_} should be
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
618 followed by the chosen name prefix for the library, to prevent
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
619 collisions with other libraries. These can go in the same files with
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
620 user entry points if you like.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
621
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
622 Static functions and variables can be used as you like and need not
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
623 fit any naming convention.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
624
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
625 @node Errors
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
626 @section Formatting Error Messages
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
627 @cindex formatting error messages
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
628 @cindex error messages, formatting
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
629
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
630 Error messages from compilers should look like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
631
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
632 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
633 @var{source-file-name}:@var{lineno}: @var{message}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
634 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
635
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
636 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
637 If you want to mention the column number, use this format:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
638
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
639 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
640 @var{source-file-name}:@var{lineno}:@var{column}: @var{message}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
641 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
642
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
643 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
644 Line numbers should start from 1 at the beginning of the file, and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
645 column numbers should start from 1 at the beginning of the line. (Both
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
646 of these conventions are chosen for compatibility.) Calculate column
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
647 numbers assuming that space and all ASCII printing characters have
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
648 equal width, and assuming tab stops every 8 columns.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
649
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
650 Error messages from other noninteractive programs should look like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
651
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
652 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
653 @var{program}:@var{source-file-name}:@var{lineno}: @var{message}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
654 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
655
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
656 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
657 when there is an appropriate source file, or like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
658
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
659 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
660 @var{program}: @var{message}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
661 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
662
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
663 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
664 when there is no relevant source file.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
665
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
666 If you want to mention the column number, use this format:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
667
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
668 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
669 @var{program}:@var{source-file-name}:@var{lineno}:@var{column}: @var{message}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
670 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
671
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
672 In an interactive program (one that is reading commands from a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
673 terminal), it is better not to include the program name in an error
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
674 message. The place to indicate which program is running is in the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
675 prompt or with the screen layout. (When the same program runs with
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
676 input from a source other than a terminal, it is not interactive and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
677 would do best to print error messages using the noninteractive style.)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
678
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
679 The string @var{message} should not begin with a capital letter when
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
680 it follows a program name and/or file name. Also, it should not end
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
681 with a period.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
682
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
683 Error messages from interactive programs, and other messages such as
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
684 usage messages, should start with a capital letter. But they should not
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
685 end with a period.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
686
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
687 @node User Interfaces
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
688 @section Standards for Interfaces Generally
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
689
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
690 @cindex program name and its behavior
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
691 @cindex behavior, dependent on program's name
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
692 Please don't make the behavior of a utility depend on the name used
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
693 to invoke it. It is useful sometimes to make a link to a utility
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
694 with a different name, and that should not change what it does.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
695
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
696 Instead, use a run time option or a compilation switch or both
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
697 to select among the alternate behaviors.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
698
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
699 @cindex output device and program's behavior
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
700 Likewise, please don't make the behavior of the program depend on the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
701 type of output device it is used with. Device independence is an
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
702 important principle of the system's design; do not compromise it merely
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
703 to save someone from typing an option now and then. (Variation in error
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
704 message syntax when using a terminal is ok, because that is a side issue
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
705 that people do not depend on.)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
706
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
707 If you think one behavior is most useful when the output is to a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
708 terminal, and another is most useful when the output is a file or a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
709 pipe, then it is usually best to make the default behavior the one that
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
710 is useful with output to a terminal, and have an option for the other
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
711 behavior.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
712
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
713 Compatibility requires certain programs to depend on the type of output
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
714 device. It would be disastrous if @code{ls} or @code{sh} did not do so
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
715 in the way all users expect. In some of these cases, we supplement the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
716 program with a preferred alternate version that does not depend on the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
717 output device type. For example, we provide a @code{dir} program much
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
718 like @code{ls} except that its default output format is always
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
719 multi-column format.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
720
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
721 @node Graphical Interfaces
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
722 @section Standards for Graphical Interfaces
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
723 @cindex graphical user interface
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
724
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
725 @cindex gtk
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
726 When you write a program that provides a graphical user interface,
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
727 please make it work with X Windows and the GTK toolkit unless the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
728 functionality specifically requires some alternative (for example,
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
729 ``displaying jpeg images while in console mode'').
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
730
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
731 In addition, please provide a command-line interface to control the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
732 functionality. (In many cases, the graphical user interface can be a
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
733 separate program which invokes the command-line program.) This is
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
734 so that the same jobs can be done from scripts.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
735
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
736 @cindex corba
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
737 @cindex gnome
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
738 Please also consider providing a CORBA interface (for use from GNOME), a
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
739 library interface (for use from C), and perhaps a keyboard-driven
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
740 console interface (for use by users from console mode). Once you are
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
741 doing the work to provide the functionality and the graphical interface,
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
742 these won't be much extra work.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
743
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
744 @node Command-Line Interfaces
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
745 @section Standards for Command Line Interfaces
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
746 @cindex command-line interface
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
747
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
748 @findex getopt
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
749 It is a good idea to follow the @sc{posix} guidelines for the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
750 command-line options of a program. The easiest way to do this is to use
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
751 @code{getopt} to parse them. Note that the GNU version of @code{getopt}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
752 will normally permit options anywhere among the arguments unless the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
753 special argument @samp{--} is used. This is not what @sc{posix}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
754 specifies; it is a GNU extension.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
755
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
756 @cindex long-named options
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
757 Please define long-named options that are equivalent to the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
758 single-letter Unix-style options. We hope to make GNU more user
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
759 friendly this way. This is easy to do with the GNU function
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
760 @code{getopt_long}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
761
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
762 One of the advantages of long-named options is that they can be
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
763 consistent from program to program. For example, users should be able
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
764 to expect the ``verbose'' option of any GNU program which has one, to be
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
765 spelled precisely @samp{--verbose}. To achieve this uniformity, look at
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
766 the table of common long-option names when you choose the option names
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
767 for your program (@pxref{Option Table}).
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
768
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
769 It is usually a good idea for file names given as ordinary arguments to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
770 be input files only; any output files would be specified using options
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
771 (preferably @samp{-o} or @samp{--output}). Even if you allow an output
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
772 file name as an ordinary argument for compatibility, try to provide an
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
773 option as another way to specify it. This will lead to more consistency
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
774 among GNU utilities, and fewer idiosyncracies for users to remember.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
775
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
776 @cindex standard command-line options
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
777 All programs should support two standard options: @samp{--version}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
778 and @samp{--help}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
779
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
780 @table @code
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
781 @cindex @samp{--version} option
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
782 @item --version
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
783 This option should direct the program to print information about its name,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
784 version, origin and legal status, all on standard output, and then exit
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
785 successfully. Other options and arguments should be ignored once this
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
786 is seen, and the program should not perform its normal function.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
787
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
788 @cindex canonical name of a program
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
789 @cindex program's canonical name
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
790 The first line is meant to be easy for a program to parse; the version
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
791 number proper starts after the last space. In addition, it contains
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
792 the canonical name for this program, in this format:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
793
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
794 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
795 GNU Emacs 19.30
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
796 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
797
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
798 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
799 The program's name should be a constant string; @emph{don't} compute it
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
800 from @code{argv[0]}. The idea is to state the standard or canonical
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
801 name for the program, not its file name. There are other ways to find
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
802 out the precise file name where a command is found in @code{PATH}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
803
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
804 If the program is a subsidiary part of a larger package, mention the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
805 package name in parentheses, like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
806
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
807 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
808 emacsserver (GNU Emacs) 19.30
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
809 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
810
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
811 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
812 If the package has a version number which is different from this
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
813 program's version number, you can mention the package version number
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
814 just before the close-parenthesis.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
815
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
816 If you @strong{need} to mention the version numbers of libraries which
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
817 are distributed separately from the package which contains this program,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
818 you can do so by printing an additional line of version info for each
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
819 library you want to mention. Use the same format for these lines as for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
820 the first line.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
821
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
822 Please do not mention all of the libraries that the program uses ``just
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
823 for completeness''---that would produce a lot of unhelpful clutter.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
824 Please mention library version numbers only if you find in practice that
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
825 they are very important to you in debugging.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
826
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
827 The following line, after the version number line or lines, should be a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
828 copyright notice. If more than one copyright notice is called for, put
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
829 each on a separate line.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
830
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
831 Next should follow a brief statement that the program is free software,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
832 and that users are free to copy and change it on certain conditions. If
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
833 the program is covered by the GNU GPL, say so here. Also mention that
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
834 there is no warranty, to the extent permitted by law.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
835
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
836 It is ok to finish the output with a list of the major authors of the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
837 program, as a way of giving credit.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
838
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
839 Here's an example of output that follows these rules:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
840
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
841 @smallexample
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
842 GNU Emacs 19.34.5
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
843 Copyright (C) 1996 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
844 GNU Emacs comes with NO WARRANTY,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
845 to the extent permitted by law.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
846 You may redistribute copies of GNU Emacs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
847 under the terms of the GNU General Public License.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
848 For more information about these matters,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
849 see the files named COPYING.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
850 @end smallexample
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
851
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
852 You should adapt this to your program, of course, filling in the proper
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
853 year, copyright holder, name of program, and the references to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
854 distribution terms, and changing the rest of the wording as necessary.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
855
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
856 This copyright notice only needs to mention the most recent year in
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
857 which changes were made---there's no need to list the years for previous
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
858 versions' changes. You don't have to mention the name of the program in
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
859 these notices, if that is inconvenient, since it appeared in the first
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
860 line.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
861
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
862 @cindex @samp{--help} option
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
863 @item --help
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
864 This option should output brief documentation for how to invoke the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
865 program, on standard output, then exit successfully. Other options and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
866 arguments should be ignored once this is seen, and the program should
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
867 not perform its normal function.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
868
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
869 @cindex address for bug reports
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
870 @cindex bug reports
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
871 Near the end of the @samp{--help} option's output there should be a line
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
872 that says where to mail bug reports. It should have this format:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
873
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
874 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
875 Report bugs to @var{mailing-address}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
876 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
877 @end table
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
878
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
879 @node Option Table
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
880 @section Table of Long Options
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
881 @cindex long option names
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
882 @cindex table of long options
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
883
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
884 Here is a table of long options used by GNU programs. It is surely
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
885 incomplete, but we aim to list all the options that a new program might
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
886 want to be compatible with. If you use names not already in the table,
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
887 please send @email{bug-standards@@gnu.org} a list of them, with their
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
888 meanings, so we can update the table.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
889
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
890 @c Please leave newlines between items in this table; it's much easier
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
891 @c to update when it isn't completely squashed together and unreadable.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
892 @c When there is more than one short option for a long option name, put
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
893 @c a semicolon between the lists of the programs that use them, not a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
894 @c period. --friedman
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
895
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
896 @table @samp
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
897 @item after-date
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
898 @samp{-N} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
899
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
900 @item all
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
901 @samp{-a} in @code{du}, @code{ls}, @code{nm}, @code{stty}, @code{uname},
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
902 and @code{unexpand}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
903
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
904 @item all-text
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
905 @samp{-a} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
906
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
907 @item almost-all
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
908 @samp{-A} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
909
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
910 @item append
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
911 @samp{-a} in @code{etags}, @code{tee}, @code{time};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
912 @samp{-r} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
913
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
914 @item archive
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
915 @samp{-a} in @code{cp}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
916
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
917 @item archive-name
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
918 @samp{-n} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
919
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
920 @item arglength
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
921 @samp{-l} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
922
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
923 @item ascii
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
924 @samp{-a} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
925
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
926 @item assign
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
927 @samp{-v} in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
928
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
929 @item assume-new
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
930 @samp{-W} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
931
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
932 @item assume-old
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
933 @samp{-o} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
934
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
935 @item auto-check
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
936 @samp{-a} in @code{recode}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
937
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
938 @item auto-pager
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
939 @samp{-a} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
940
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
941 @item auto-reference
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
942 @samp{-A} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
943
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
944 @item avoid-wraps
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
945 @samp{-n} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
946
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
947 @item background
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
948 For server programs, run in the background.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
949
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
950 @item backward-search
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
951 @samp{-B} in @code{ctags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
952
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
953 @item basename
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
954 @samp{-f} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
955
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
956 @item batch
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
957 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
958
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
959 @item baud
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
960 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
961
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
962 @item before
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
963 @samp{-b} in @code{tac}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
964
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
965 @item binary
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
966 @samp{-b} in @code{cpio} and @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
967
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
968 @item bits-per-code
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
969 @samp{-b} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
970
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
971 @item block-size
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
972 Used in @code{cpio} and @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
973
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
974 @item blocks
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
975 @samp{-b} in @code{head} and @code{tail}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
976
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
977 @item break-file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
978 @samp{-b} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
979
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
980 @item brief
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
981 Used in various programs to make output shorter.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
982
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
983 @item bytes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
984 @samp{-c} in @code{head}, @code{split}, and @code{tail}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
985
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
986 @item c@t{++}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
987 @samp{-C} in @code{etags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
988
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
989 @item catenate
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
990 @samp{-A} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
991
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
992 @item cd
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
993 Used in various programs to specify the directory to use.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
994
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
995 @item changes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
996 @samp{-c} in @code{chgrp} and @code{chown}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
997
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
998 @item classify
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
999 @samp{-F} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1000
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1001 @item colons
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1002 @samp{-c} in @code{recode}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1003
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1004 @item command
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1005 @samp{-c} in @code{su};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1006 @samp{-x} in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1007
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1008 @item compare
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1009 @samp{-d} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1010
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1011 @item compat
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1012 Used in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1013
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1014 @item compress
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1015 @samp{-Z} in @code{tar} and @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1016
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1017 @item concatenate
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1018 @samp{-A} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1019
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1020 @item confirmation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1021 @samp{-w} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1022
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1023 @item context
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1024 Used in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1025
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1026 @item copyleft
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1027 @samp{-W copyleft} in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1028
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1029 @item copyright
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1030 @samp{-C} in @code{ptx}, @code{recode}, and @code{wdiff};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1031 @samp{-W copyright} in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1032
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1033 @item core
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1034 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1035
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1036 @item count
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1037 @samp{-q} in @code{who}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1038
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1039 @item count-links
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1040 @samp{-l} in @code{du}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1041
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1042 @item create
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1043 Used in @code{tar} and @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1044
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1045 @item cut-mark
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1046 @samp{-c} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1047
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1048 @item cxref
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1049 @samp{-x} in @code{ctags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1050
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1051 @item date
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1052 @samp{-d} in @code{touch}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1053
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1054 @item debug
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1055 @samp{-d} in Make and @code{m4};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1056 @samp{-t} in Bison.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1057
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1058 @item define
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1059 @samp{-D} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1060
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1061 @item defines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1062 @samp{-d} in Bison and @code{ctags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1063
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1064 @item delete
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1065 @samp{-D} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1066
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1067 @item dereference
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1068 @samp{-L} in @code{chgrp}, @code{chown}, @code{cpio}, @code{du},
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1069 @code{ls}, and @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1070
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1071 @item dereference-args
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1072 @samp{-D} in @code{du}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1073
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1074 @item device
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1075 Specify an I/O device (special file name).
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1076
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1077 @item diacritics
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1078 @samp{-d} in @code{recode}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1079
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1080 @item dictionary-order
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1081 @samp{-d} in @code{look}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1082
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1083 @item diff
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1084 @samp{-d} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1085
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1086 @item digits
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1087 @samp{-n} in @code{csplit}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1088
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1089 @item directory
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1090 Specify the directory to use, in various programs. In @code{ls}, it
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1091 means to show directories themselves rather than their contents. In
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1092 @code{rm} and @code{ln}, it means to not treat links to directories
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1093 specially.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1094
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1095 @item discard-all
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1096 @samp{-x} in @code{strip}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1097
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1098 @item discard-locals
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1099 @samp{-X} in @code{strip}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1100
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1101 @item dry-run
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1102 @samp{-n} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1103
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1104 @item ed
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1105 @samp{-e} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1106
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1107 @item elide-empty-files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1108 @samp{-z} in @code{csplit}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1109
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1110 @item end-delete
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1111 @samp{-x} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1112
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1113 @item end-insert
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1114 @samp{-z} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1115
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1116 @item entire-new-file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1117 @samp{-N} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1118
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1119 @item environment-overrides
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1120 @samp{-e} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1121
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1122 @item eof
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1123 @samp{-e} in @code{xargs}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1124
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1125 @item epoch
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1126 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1127
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1128 @item error-limit
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1129 Used in @code{makeinfo}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1130
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1131 @item error-output
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1132 @samp{-o} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1133
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1134 @item escape
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1135 @samp{-b} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1136
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1137 @item exclude-from
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1138 @samp{-X} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1139
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1140 @item exec
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1141 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1142
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1143 @item exit
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1144 @samp{-x} in @code{xargs}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1145
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1146 @item exit-0
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1147 @samp{-e} in @code{unshar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1148
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1149 @item expand-tabs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1150 @samp{-t} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1151
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1152 @item expression
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1153 @samp{-e} in @code{sed}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1154
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1155 @item extern-only
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1156 @samp{-g} in @code{nm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1157
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1158 @item extract
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1159 @samp{-i} in @code{cpio};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1160 @samp{-x} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1161
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1162 @item faces
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1163 @samp{-f} in @code{finger}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1164
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1165 @item fast
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1166 @samp{-f} in @code{su}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1167
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1168 @item fatal-warnings
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1169 @samp{-E} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1170
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1171 @item file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1172 @samp{-f} in @code{info}, @code{gawk}, Make, @code{mt}, and @code{tar};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1173 @samp{-n} in @code{sed};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1174 @samp{-r} in @code{touch}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1175
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1176 @item field-separator
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1177 @samp{-F} in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1178
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1179 @item file-prefix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1180 @samp{-b} in Bison.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1181
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1182 @item file-type
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1183 @samp{-F} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1184
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1185 @item files-from
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1186 @samp{-T} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1187
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1188 @item fill-column
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1189 Used in @code{makeinfo}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1190
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1191 @item flag-truncation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1192 @samp{-F} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1193
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1194 @item fixed-output-files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1195 @samp{-y} in Bison.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1196
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1197 @item follow
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1198 @samp{-f} in @code{tail}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1199
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1200 @item footnote-style
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1201 Used in @code{makeinfo}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1202
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1203 @item force
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1204 @samp{-f} in @code{cp}, @code{ln}, @code{mv}, and @code{rm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1205
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1206 @item force-prefix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1207 @samp{-F} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1208
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1209 @item foreground
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1210 For server programs, run in the foreground;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1211 in other words, don't do anything special to run the server
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1212 in the background.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1213
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1214 @item format
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1215 Used in @code{ls}, @code{time}, and @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1216
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1217 @item freeze-state
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1218 @samp{-F} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1219
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1220 @item fullname
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1221 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1222
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1223 @item gap-size
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1224 @samp{-g} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1225
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1226 @item get
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1227 @samp{-x} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1228
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1229 @item graphic
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1230 @samp{-i} in @code{ul}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1231
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1232 @item graphics
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1233 @samp{-g} in @code{recode}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1234
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1235 @item group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1236 @samp{-g} in @code{install}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1237
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1238 @item gzip
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1239 @samp{-z} in @code{tar} and @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1240
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1241 @item hashsize
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1242 @samp{-H} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1243
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1244 @item header
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1245 @samp{-h} in @code{objdump} and @code{recode}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1246
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1247 @item heading
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1248 @samp{-H} in @code{who}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1249
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1250 @item help
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1251 Used to ask for brief usage information.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1252
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1253 @item here-delimiter
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1254 @samp{-d} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1255
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1256 @item hide-control-chars
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1257 @samp{-q} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1258
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1259 @item html
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1260 In @code{makeinfo}, output HTML.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1261
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1262 @item idle
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1263 @samp{-u} in @code{who}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1264
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1265 @item ifdef
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1266 @samp{-D} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1267
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1268 @item ignore
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1269 @samp{-I} in @code{ls};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1270 @samp{-x} in @code{recode}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1271
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1272 @item ignore-all-space
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1273 @samp{-w} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1274
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1275 @item ignore-backups
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1276 @samp{-B} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1277
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1278 @item ignore-blank-lines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1279 @samp{-B} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1280
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1281 @item ignore-case
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1282 @samp{-f} in @code{look} and @code{ptx};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1283 @samp{-i} in @code{diff} and @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1284
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1285 @item ignore-errors
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1286 @samp{-i} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1287
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1288 @item ignore-file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1289 @samp{-i} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1290
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1291 @item ignore-indentation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1292 @samp{-I} in @code{etags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1293
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1294 @item ignore-init-file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1295 @samp{-f} in Oleo.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1296
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1297 @item ignore-interrupts
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1298 @samp{-i} in @code{tee}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1299
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1300 @item ignore-matching-lines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1301 @samp{-I} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1302
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1303 @item ignore-space-change
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1304 @samp{-b} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1305
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1306 @item ignore-zeros
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1307 @samp{-i} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1308
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1309 @item include
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1310 @samp{-i} in @code{etags};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1311 @samp{-I} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1312
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1313 @item include-dir
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1314 @samp{-I} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1315
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1316 @item incremental
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1317 @samp{-G} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1318
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1319 @item info
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1320 @samp{-i}, @samp{-l}, and @samp{-m} in Finger.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1321
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1322 @item init-file
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1323 In some programs, specify the name of the file to read as the user's
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1324 init file.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1325
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1326 @item initial
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1327 @samp{-i} in @code{expand}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1328
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1329 @item initial-tab
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1330 @samp{-T} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1331
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1332 @item inode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1333 @samp{-i} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1334
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1335 @item interactive
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1336 @samp{-i} in @code{cp}, @code{ln}, @code{mv}, @code{rm};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1337 @samp{-e} in @code{m4};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1338 @samp{-p} in @code{xargs};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1339 @samp{-w} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1340
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1341 @item intermix-type
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1342 @samp{-p} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1343
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1344 @item iso-8601
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1345 Used in @code{date}
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
1346
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1347 @item jobs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1348 @samp{-j} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1349
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1350 @item just-print
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1351 @samp{-n} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1352
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1353 @item keep-going
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1354 @samp{-k} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1355
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1356 @item keep-files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1357 @samp{-k} in @code{csplit}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1358
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1359 @item kilobytes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1360 @samp{-k} in @code{du} and @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1361
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1362 @item language
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1363 @samp{-l} in @code{etags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1364
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1365 @item less-mode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1366 @samp{-l} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1367
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1368 @item level-for-gzip
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1369 @samp{-g} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1370
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1371 @item line-bytes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1372 @samp{-C} in @code{split}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1373
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1374 @item lines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1375 Used in @code{split}, @code{head}, and @code{tail}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1376
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1377 @item link
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1378 @samp{-l} in @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1379
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1380 @item lint
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1381 @itemx lint-old
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1382 Used in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1383
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1384 @item list
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1385 @samp{-t} in @code{cpio};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1386 @samp{-l} in @code{recode}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1387
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1388 @item list
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1389 @samp{-t} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1390
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1391 @item literal
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1392 @samp{-N} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1393
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1394 @item load-average
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1395 @samp{-l} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1396
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1397 @item login
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1398 Used in @code{su}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1399
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1400 @item machine
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1401 No listing of which programs already use this;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1402 someone should check to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1403 see if any actually do, and tell @email{gnu@@gnu.org}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1404
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1405 @item macro-name
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1406 @samp{-M} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1407
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1408 @item mail
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1409 @samp{-m} in @code{hello} and @code{uname}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1410
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1411 @item make-directories
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1412 @samp{-d} in @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1413
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1414 @item makefile
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1415 @samp{-f} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1416
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1417 @item mapped
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1418 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1419
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1420 @item max-args
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1421 @samp{-n} in @code{xargs}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1422
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1423 @item max-chars
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1424 @samp{-n} in @code{xargs}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1425
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1426 @item max-lines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1427 @samp{-l} in @code{xargs}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1429 @item max-load
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1430 @samp{-l} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1431
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1432 @item max-procs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1433 @samp{-P} in @code{xargs}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1434
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1435 @item mesg
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1436 @samp{-T} in @code{who}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1437
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1438 @item message
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1439 @samp{-T} in @code{who}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1440
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1441 @item minimal
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1442 @samp{-d} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1443
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1444 @item mixed-uuencode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1445 @samp{-M} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1446
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1447 @item mode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1448 @samp{-m} in @code{install}, @code{mkdir}, and @code{mkfifo}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1449
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1450 @item modification-time
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1451 @samp{-m} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1452
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1453 @item multi-volume
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1454 @samp{-M} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1455
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1456 @item name-prefix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1457 @samp{-a} in Bison.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1458
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1459 @item nesting-limit
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1460 @samp{-L} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1461
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1462 @item net-headers
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1463 @samp{-a} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1464
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1465 @item new-file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1466 @samp{-W} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1467
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1468 @item no-builtin-rules
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1469 @samp{-r} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1470
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1471 @item no-character-count
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1472 @samp{-w} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1473
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1474 @item no-check-existing
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1475 @samp{-x} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1476
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1477 @item no-common
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1478 @samp{-3} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1479
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1480 @item no-create
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1481 @samp{-c} in @code{touch}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1482
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1483 @item no-defines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1484 @samp{-D} in @code{etags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1485
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1486 @item no-deleted
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1487 @samp{-1} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1488
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1489 @item no-dereference
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1490 @samp{-d} in @code{cp}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1491
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1492 @item no-inserted
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1493 @samp{-2} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1494
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1495 @item no-keep-going
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1496 @samp{-S} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1497
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1498 @item no-lines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1499 @samp{-l} in Bison.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1500
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1501 @item no-piping
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1502 @samp{-P} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1503
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1504 @item no-prof
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1505 @samp{-e} in @code{gprof}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1506
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1507 @item no-regex
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1508 @samp{-R} in @code{etags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1509
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1510 @item no-sort
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1511 @samp{-p} in @code{nm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1512
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1513 @item no-split
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1514 Used in @code{makeinfo}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1515
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1516 @item no-static
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1517 @samp{-a} in @code{gprof}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1518
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1519 @item no-time
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1520 @samp{-E} in @code{gprof}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1521
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1522 @item no-timestamp
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1523 @samp{-m} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1524
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1525 @item no-validate
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1526 Used in @code{makeinfo}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1527
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1528 @item no-wait
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1529 Used in @code{emacsclient}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1530
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1531 @item no-warn
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1532 Used in various programs to inhibit warnings.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1533
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1534 @item node
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1535 @samp{-n} in @code{info}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1536
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1537 @item nodename
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1538 @samp{-n} in @code{uname}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1539
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1540 @item nonmatching
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1541 @samp{-f} in @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1542
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1543 @item nstuff
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1544 @samp{-n} in @code{objdump}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1545
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1546 @item null
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1547 @samp{-0} in @code{xargs}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1548
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1549 @item number
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1550 @samp{-n} in @code{cat}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1551
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1552 @item number-nonblank
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1553 @samp{-b} in @code{cat}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1554
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1555 @item numeric-sort
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1556 @samp{-n} in @code{nm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1557
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1558 @item numeric-uid-gid
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1559 @samp{-n} in @code{cpio} and @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1560
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1561 @item nx
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1562 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1563
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1564 @item old-archive
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1565 @samp{-o} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1566
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1567 @item old-file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1568 @samp{-o} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1569
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1570 @item one-file-system
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1571 @samp{-l} in @code{tar}, @code{cp}, and @code{du}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1572
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1573 @item only-file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1574 @samp{-o} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1575
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1576 @item only-prof
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1577 @samp{-f} in @code{gprof}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1578
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1579 @item only-time
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1580 @samp{-F} in @code{gprof}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1581
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1582 @item options
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1583 @samp{-o} in @code{getopt}, @code{fdlist}, @code{fdmount},
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1584 @code{fdmountd}, and @code{fdumount}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1585
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1586 @item output
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1587 In various programs, specify the output file name.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1588
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1589 @item output-prefix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1590 @samp{-o} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1591
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1592 @item override
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1593 @samp{-o} in @code{rm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1594
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1595 @item overwrite
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1596 @samp{-c} in @code{unshar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1597
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1598 @item owner
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1599 @samp{-o} in @code{install}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1600
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1601 @item paginate
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1602 @samp{-l} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1603
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1604 @item paragraph-indent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1605 Used in @code{makeinfo}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1606
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1607 @item parents
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1608 @samp{-p} in @code{mkdir} and @code{rmdir}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1609
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1610 @item pass-all
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1611 @samp{-p} in @code{ul}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1612
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1613 @item pass-through
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1614 @samp{-p} in @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1615
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1616 @item port
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1617 @samp{-P} in @code{finger}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1618
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1619 @item portability
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1620 @samp{-c} in @code{cpio} and @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1621
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1622 @item posix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1623 Used in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1624
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1625 @item prefix-builtins
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1626 @samp{-P} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1627
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1628 @item prefix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1629 @samp{-f} in @code{csplit}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1630
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1631 @item preserve
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1632 Used in @code{tar} and @code{cp}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1633
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1634 @item preserve-environment
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1635 @samp{-p} in @code{su}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1636
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1637 @item preserve-modification-time
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1638 @samp{-m} in @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1639
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1640 @item preserve-order
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1641 @samp{-s} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1642
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1643 @item preserve-permissions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1644 @samp{-p} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1645
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1646 @item print
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1647 @samp{-l} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1648
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1649 @item print-chars
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1650 @samp{-L} in @code{cmp}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1651
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1652 @item print-data-base
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1653 @samp{-p} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1654
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1655 @item print-directory
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1656 @samp{-w} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1657
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1658 @item print-file-name
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1659 @samp{-o} in @code{nm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1660
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1661 @item print-symdefs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1662 @samp{-s} in @code{nm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1663
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1664 @item printer
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1665 @samp{-p} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1666
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1667 @item prompt
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1668 @samp{-p} in @code{ed}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1669
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1670 @item proxy
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1671 Specify an HTTP proxy.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1672
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1673 @item query-user
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1674 @samp{-X} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1675
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1676 @item question
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1677 @samp{-q} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1678
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1679 @item quiet
2665
bac3173b2665 [xemacs-hg @ 2005-03-15 06:15:35 by stephent]
stephent
parents: 462
diff changeset
1680 Used in many programs to inhibit the usual output. @strong{Every
bac3173b2665 [xemacs-hg @ 2005-03-15 06:15:35 by stephent]
stephent
parents: 462
diff changeset
1681 program accepting @samp{--quiet}} should accept @samp{--silent} as a
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1682 synonym.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1683
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1684 @item quiet-unshar
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1685 @samp{-Q} in @code{shar}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1686
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1687 @item quote-name
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1688 @samp{-Q} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1689
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1690 @item rcs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1691 @samp{-n} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1692
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1693 @item re-interval
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1694 Used in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1695
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1696 @item read-full-blocks
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1697 @samp{-B} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1698
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1699 @item readnow
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1700 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1701
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1702 @item recon
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1703 @samp{-n} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1704
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1705 @item record-number
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1706 @samp{-R} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1707
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1708 @item recursive
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1709 Used in @code{chgrp}, @code{chown}, @code{cp}, @code{ls}, @code{diff},
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1710 and @code{rm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1711
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1712 @item reference-limit
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1713 Used in @code{makeinfo}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1714
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1715 @item references
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1716 @samp{-r} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1717
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1718 @item regex
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1719 @samp{-r} in @code{tac} and @code{etags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1720
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1721 @item release
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1722 @samp{-r} in @code{uname}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1723
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1724 @item reload-state
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1725 @samp{-R} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1726
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1727 @item relocation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1728 @samp{-r} in @code{objdump}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1729
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1730 @item rename
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1731 @samp{-r} in @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1732
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1733 @item replace
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1734 @samp{-i} in @code{xargs}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1735
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1736 @item report-identical-files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1737 @samp{-s} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1738
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1739 @item reset-access-time
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1740 @samp{-a} in @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1741
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1742 @item reverse
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1743 @samp{-r} in @code{ls} and @code{nm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1744
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1745 @item reversed-ed
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1746 @samp{-f} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1747
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1748 @item right-side-defs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1749 @samp{-R} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1750
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1751 @item same-order
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1752 @samp{-s} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1753
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1754 @item same-permissions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1755 @samp{-p} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1756
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1757 @item save
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1758 @samp{-g} in @code{stty}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1759
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1760 @item se
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1761 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1762
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1763 @item sentence-regexp
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1764 @samp{-S} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1765
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1766 @item separate-dirs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1767 @samp{-S} in @code{du}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1768
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1769 @item separator
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1770 @samp{-s} in @code{tac}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1771
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1772 @item sequence
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1773 Used by @code{recode} to chose files or pipes for sequencing passes.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1774
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1775 @item shell
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1776 @samp{-s} in @code{su}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1777
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1778 @item show-all
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1779 @samp{-A} in @code{cat}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1780
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1781 @item show-c-function
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1782 @samp{-p} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1783
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1784 @item show-ends
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1785 @samp{-E} in @code{cat}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1786
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1787 @item show-function-line
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1788 @samp{-F} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1789
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1790 @item show-tabs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1791 @samp{-T} in @code{cat}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1792
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1793 @item silent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1794 Used in many programs to inhibit the usual output.
2665
bac3173b2665 [xemacs-hg @ 2005-03-15 06:15:35 by stephent]
stephent
parents: 462
diff changeset
1795 @strong{Every program accepting
bac3173b2665 [xemacs-hg @ 2005-03-15 06:15:35 by stephent]
stephent
parents: 462
diff changeset
1796 @samp{--silent}} should accept @samp{--quiet} as a synonym.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1797
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1798 @item size
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1799 @samp{-s} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1800
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1801 @item socket
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1802 Specify a file descriptor for a network server to use for its socket,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1803 instead of opening and binding a new socket. This provides a way to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1804 run, in a nonpriveledged process, a server that normally needs a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1805 reserved port number.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1806
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1807 @item sort
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1808 Used in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1809
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1810 @item source
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1811 @samp{-W source} in @code{gawk}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1812
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1813 @item sparse
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1814 @samp{-S} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1815
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1816 @item speed-large-files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1817 @samp{-H} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1818
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1819 @item split-at
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1820 @samp{-E} in @code{unshar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1821
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1822 @item split-size-limit
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1823 @samp{-L} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1824
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1825 @item squeeze-blank
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1826 @samp{-s} in @code{cat}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1827
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1828 @item start-delete
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1829 @samp{-w} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1830
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1831 @item start-insert
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1832 @samp{-y} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1833
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1834 @item starting-file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1835 Used in @code{tar} and @code{diff} to specify which file within
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1836 a directory to start processing with.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1837
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1838 @item statistics
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1839 @samp{-s} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1840
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1841 @item stdin-file-list
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1842 @samp{-S} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1843
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1844 @item stop
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1845 @samp{-S} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1846
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1847 @item strict
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1848 @samp{-s} in @code{recode}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1849
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1850 @item strip
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1851 @samp{-s} in @code{install}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1852
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1853 @item strip-all
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1854 @samp{-s} in @code{strip}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1855
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1856 @item strip-debug
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1857 @samp{-S} in @code{strip}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1858
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1859 @item submitter
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1860 @samp{-s} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1861
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1862 @item suffix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1863 @samp{-S} in @code{cp}, @code{ln}, @code{mv}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1864
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1865 @item suffix-format
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1866 @samp{-b} in @code{csplit}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1867
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1868 @item sum
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1869 @samp{-s} in @code{gprof}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1870
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1871 @item summarize
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1872 @samp{-s} in @code{du}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1873
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1874 @item symbolic
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1875 @samp{-s} in @code{ln}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1876
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1877 @item symbols
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1878 Used in GDB and @code{objdump}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1879
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1880 @item synclines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1881 @samp{-s} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1882
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1883 @item sysname
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1884 @samp{-s} in @code{uname}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1885
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1886 @item tabs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1887 @samp{-t} in @code{expand} and @code{unexpand}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1888
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1889 @item tabsize
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1890 @samp{-T} in @code{ls}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1891
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1892 @item terminal
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1893 @samp{-T} in @code{tput} and @code{ul}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1894 @samp{-t} in @code{wdiff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1895
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1896 @item text
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1897 @samp{-a} in @code{diff}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1898
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1899 @item text-files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1900 @samp{-T} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1901
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1902 @item time
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1903 Used in @code{ls} and @code{touch}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1904
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1905 @item timeout
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1906 Specify how long to wait before giving up on some operation.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1907
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1908 @item to-stdout
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1909 @samp{-O} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1910
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1911 @item total
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1912 @samp{-c} in @code{du}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1913
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1914 @item touch
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1915 @samp{-t} in Make, @code{ranlib}, and @code{recode}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1916
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1917 @item trace
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1918 @samp{-t} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1919
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1920 @item traditional
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1921 @samp{-t} in @code{hello};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1922 @samp{-W traditional} in @code{gawk};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1923 @samp{-G} in @code{ed}, @code{m4}, and @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1924
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1925 @item tty
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1926 Used in GDB.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1927
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1928 @item typedefs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1929 @samp{-t} in @code{ctags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1930
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1931 @item typedefs-and-c++
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1932 @samp{-T} in @code{ctags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1933
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1934 @item typeset-mode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1935 @samp{-t} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1936
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1937 @item uncompress
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1938 @samp{-z} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1939
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1940 @item unconditional
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1941 @samp{-u} in @code{cpio}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1942
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1943 @item undefine
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1944 @samp{-U} in @code{m4}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1945
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1946 @item undefined-only
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1947 @samp{-u} in @code{nm}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1948
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1949 @item update
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1950 @samp{-u} in @code{cp}, @code{ctags}, @code{mv}, @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1951
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1952 @item usage
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1953 Used in @code{gawk}; same as @samp{--help}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1954
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1955 @item uuencode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1956 @samp{-B} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1957
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1958 @item vanilla-operation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1959 @samp{-V} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1960
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1961 @item verbose
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1962 Print more information about progress. Many programs support this.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1963
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1964 @item verify
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1965 @samp{-W} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1966
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1967 @item version
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1968 Print the version number.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1969
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1970 @item version-control
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1971 @samp{-V} in @code{cp}, @code{ln}, @code{mv}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1972
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1973 @item vgrind
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1974 @samp{-v} in @code{ctags}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1975
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1976 @item volume
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1977 @samp{-V} in @code{tar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1978
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1979 @item what-if
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1980 @samp{-W} in Make.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1981
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1982 @item whole-size-limit
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1983 @samp{-l} in @code{shar}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1984
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1985 @item width
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1986 @samp{-w} in @code{ls} and @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1987
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1988 @item word-regexp
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1989 @samp{-W} in @code{ptx}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1990
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1991 @item writable
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1992 @samp{-T} in @code{who}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1993
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1994 @item zeros
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1995 @samp{-z} in @code{gprof}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1996 @end table
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1997
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1998 @node Memory Usage
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
1999 @section Memory Usage
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2000 @cindex memory usage
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2001
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2002 If a program typically uses just a few meg of memory, don't bother making any
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2003 effort to reduce memory usage. For example, if it is impractical for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2004 other reasons to operate on files more than a few meg long, it is
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2005 reasonable to read entire input files into core to operate on them.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2006
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2007 However, for programs such as @code{cat} or @code{tail}, that can
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2008 usefully operate on very large files, it is important to avoid using a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2009 technique that would artificially limit the size of files it can handle.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2010 If a program works by lines and could be applied to arbitrary
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2011 user-supplied input files, it should keep only a line in memory, because
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2012 this is not very hard and users will want to be able to operate on input
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2013 files that are bigger than will fit in core all at once.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2014
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2015 If your program creates complicated data structures, just make them in
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2016 core and give a fatal error if @code{malloc} returns zero.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2017
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2018 @node File Usage
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2019 @section File Usage
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2020 @cindex file usage
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2021
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2022 Programs should be prepared to operate when @file{/usr} and @file{/etc}
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2023 are read-only file systems. Thus, if the program manages log files,
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2024 lock files, backup files, score files, or any other files which are
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2025 modified for internal purposes, these files should not be stored in
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2026 @file{/usr} or @file{/etc}.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2027
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2028 There are two exceptions. @file{/etc} is used to store system
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2029 configuration information; it is reasonable for a program to modify
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2030 files in @file{/etc} when its job is to update the system configuration.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2031 Also, if the user explicitly asks to modify one file in a directory, it
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2032 is reasonable for the program to store other files in the same
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2033 directory.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2034
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2035 @node Writing C
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2036 @chapter Making The Best Use of C
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2037
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2038 This @value{CHAPTER} provides advice on how best to use the C language
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2039 when writing GNU software.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2040
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2041 @menu
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2042 * Formatting:: Formatting Your Source Code
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2043 * Comments:: Commenting Your Work
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2044 * Syntactic Conventions:: Clean Use of C Constructs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2045 * Names:: Naming Variables and Functions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2046 * System Portability:: Portability between different operating systems
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2047 * CPU Portability:: Supporting the range of CPU types
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2048 * System Functions:: Portability and ``standard'' library functions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2049 * Internationalization:: Techniques for internationalization
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2050 * Mmap:: How you can safely use @code{mmap}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2051 @end menu
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2052
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2053 @node Formatting
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2054 @section Formatting Your Source Code
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2055 @cindex formatting source code
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2056
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2057 @cindex open brace
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2058 @cindex braces, in C source
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2059 It is important to put the open-brace that starts the body of a C
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2060 function in column zero, and avoid putting any other open-brace or
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2061 open-parenthesis or open-bracket in column zero. Several tools look
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2062 for open-braces in column zero to find the beginnings of C functions.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2063 These tools will not work on code not formatted that way.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2064
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2065 It is also important for function definitions to start the name of the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2066 function in column zero. This helps people to search for function
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2067 definitions, and may also help certain tools recognize them. Thus,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2068 the proper format is this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2069
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2070 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2071 static char *
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2072 concat (s1, s2) /* Name starts in column zero here */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2073 char *s1, *s2;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2074 @{ /* Open brace in column zero here */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2075 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2076 @}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2077 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2078
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2079 @noindent
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2080 or, if you want to use Standard C syntax, format the definition like
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2081 this:
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2082
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2083 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2084 static char *
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2085 concat (char *s1, char *s2)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2086 @{
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2087 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2088 @}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2089 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2090
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2091 In Standard C, if the arguments don't fit nicely on one line,
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2092 split it like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2093
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2094 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2095 int
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2096 lots_of_args (int an_integer, long a_long, short a_short,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2097 double a_double, float a_float)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2098 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2099 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2100
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2101 The rest of this section gives our recommendations for other aspects of
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2102 C formatting style, which is also the default style of the @code{indent}
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2103 program in version 1.2 and newer. It corresponds to the options
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2104
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2105 @smallexample
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2106 -nbad -bap -nbc -bbo -bl -bli2 -bls -ncdb -nce -cp1 -cs -di2
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2107 -ndj -nfc1 -nfca -hnl -i2 -ip5 -lp -pcs -psl -nsc -nsob
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2108 @end smallexample
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2109
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2110 We don't think of these recommendations as requirements, because it
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2111 causes no problems for users if two different programs have different
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2112 formatting styles.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2113
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2114 But whatever style you use, please use it consistently, since a mixture
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2115 of styles within one program tends to look ugly. If you are
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2116 contributing changes to an existing program, please follow the style of
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2117 that program.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2118
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2119 For the body of the function, our recommended style looks like this:
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2120
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2121 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2122 if (x < foo (y, z))
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2123 haha = bar[4] + 5;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2124 else
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2125 @{
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2126 while (z)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2127 @{
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2128 haha += foo (z, z);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2129 z--;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2130 @}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2131 return ++x + bar ();
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2132 @}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2133 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2134
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2135 @cindex spaces before open-paren
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2136 We find it easier to read a program when it has spaces before the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2137 open-parentheses and after the commas. Especially after the commas.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2138
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2139 When you split an expression into multiple lines, split it
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2140 before an operator, not after one. Here is the right way:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2141
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2142 @cindex expressions, splitting
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2143 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2144 if (foo_this_is_long && bar > win (x, y, z)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2145 && remaining_condition)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2146 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2147
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2148 Try to avoid having two operators of different precedence at the same
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2149 level of indentation. For example, don't write this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2150
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2151 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2152 mode = (inmode[j] == VOIDmode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2153 || GET_MODE_SIZE (outmode[j]) > GET_MODE_SIZE (inmode[j])
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2154 ? outmode[j] : inmode[j]);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2155 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2156
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2157 Instead, use extra parentheses so that the indentation shows the nesting:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2158
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2159 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2160 mode = ((inmode[j] == VOIDmode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2161 || (GET_MODE_SIZE (outmode[j]) > GET_MODE_SIZE (inmode[j])))
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2162 ? outmode[j] : inmode[j]);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2163 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2164
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2165 Insert extra parentheses so that Emacs will indent the code properly.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2166 For example, the following indentation looks nice if you do it by hand,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2167
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2168 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2169 v = rup->ru_utime.tv_sec*1000 + rup->ru_utime.tv_usec/1000
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2170 + rup->ru_stime.tv_sec*1000 + rup->ru_stime.tv_usec/1000;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2171 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2172
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2173 @noindent
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2174 but Emacs would alter it. Adding a set of parentheses produces
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2175 something that looks equally nice, and which Emacs will preserve:
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2176
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2177 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2178 v = (rup->ru_utime.tv_sec*1000 + rup->ru_utime.tv_usec/1000
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2179 + rup->ru_stime.tv_sec*1000 + rup->ru_stime.tv_usec/1000);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2180 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2181
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2182 Format do-while statements like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2183
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2184 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2185 do
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2186 @{
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2187 a = foo (a);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2188 @}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2189 while (a > 0);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2190 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2191
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2192 @cindex formfeed
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2193 @cindex control-L
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2194 Please use formfeed characters (control-L) to divide the program into
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2195 pages at logical places (but not within a function). It does not matter
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2196 just how long the pages are, since they do not have to fit on a printed
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2197 page. The formfeeds should appear alone on lines by themselves.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2198
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2199 @node Comments
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2200 @section Commenting Your Work
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2201 @cindex commenting
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2202
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2203 Every program should start with a comment saying briefly what it is for.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2204 Example: @samp{fmt - filter for simple filling of text}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2205
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2206 Please write the comments in a GNU program in English, because English
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2207 is the one language that nearly all programmers in all countries can
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2208 read. If you do not write English well, please write comments in
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2209 English as well as you can, then ask other people to help rewrite them.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2210 If you can't write comments in English, please find someone to work with
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2211 you and translate your comments into English.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2212
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2213 Please put a comment on each function saying what the function does,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2214 what sorts of arguments it gets, and what the possible values of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2215 arguments mean and are used for. It is not necessary to duplicate in
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2216 words the meaning of the C argument declarations, if a C type is being
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2217 used in its customary fashion. If there is anything nonstandard about
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2218 its use (such as an argument of type @code{char *} which is really the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2219 address of the second character of a string, not the first), or any
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2220 possible values that would not work the way one would expect (such as,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2221 that strings containing newlines are not guaranteed to work), be sure
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2222 to say so.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2223
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2224 Also explain the significance of the return value, if there is one.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2225
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2226 Please put two spaces after the end of a sentence in your comments, so
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2227 that the Emacs sentence commands will work. Also, please write
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2228 complete sentences and capitalize the first word. If a lower-case
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2229 identifier comes at the beginning of a sentence, don't capitalize it!
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2230 Changing the spelling makes it a different identifier. If you don't
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2231 like starting a sentence with a lower case letter, write the sentence
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2232 differently (e.g., ``The identifier lower-case is @dots{}'').
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2233
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2234 The comment on a function is much clearer if you use the argument
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2235 names to speak about the argument values. The variable name itself
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2236 should be lower case, but write it in upper case when you are speaking
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2237 about the value rather than the variable itself. Thus, ``the inode
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2238 number NODE_NUM'' rather than ``an inode''.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2239
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2240 There is usually no purpose in restating the name of the function in
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2241 the comment before it, because the reader can see that for himself.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2242 There might be an exception when the comment is so long that the function
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2243 itself would be off the bottom of the screen.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2244
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2245 There should be a comment on each static variable as well, like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2246
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2247 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2248 /* Nonzero means truncate lines in the display;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2249 zero means continue them. */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2250 int truncate_lines;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2251 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2252
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2253 @cindex conditionals, comments for
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2254 @cindex @code{#endif}, commenting
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2255 Every @samp{#endif} should have a comment, except in the case of short
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2256 conditionals (just a few lines) that are not nested. The comment should
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2257 state the condition of the conditional that is ending, @emph{including
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2258 its sense}. @samp{#else} should have a comment describing the condition
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2259 @emph{and sense} of the code that follows. For example:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2260
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2261 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2262 @group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2263 #ifdef foo
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2264 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2265 #else /* not foo */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2266 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2267 #endif /* not foo */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2268 @end group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2269 @group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2270 #ifdef foo
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2271 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2272 #endif /* foo */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2273 @end group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2274 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2275
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2276 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2277 but, by contrast, write the comments this way for a @samp{#ifndef}:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2278
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2279 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2280 @group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2281 #ifndef foo
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2282 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2283 #else /* foo */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2284 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2285 #endif /* foo */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2286 @end group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2287 @group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2288 #ifndef foo
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2289 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2290 #endif /* not foo */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2291 @end group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2292 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2293
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2294 @node Syntactic Conventions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2295 @section Clean Use of C Constructs
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2296 @cindex syntactic conventions
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2297
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2298 @cindex implicit @code{int}
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2299 @cindex function argument, declaring
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2300 Please explicitly declare the types of all objects. For example, you
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2301 should explicitly declare all arguments to functions, and you should
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2302 declare functions to return @code{int} rather than omitting the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2303 @code{int}.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2304
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2305 @cindex compiler warnings
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2306 @cindex @samp{-Wall} compiler option
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2307 Some programmers like to use the GCC @samp{-Wall} option, and change the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2308 code whenever it issues a warning. If you want to do this, then do.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2309 Other programmers prefer not to use @samp{-Wall}, because it gives
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2310 warnings for valid and legitimate code which they do not want to change.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2311 If you want to do this, then do. The compiler should be your servant,
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2312 not your master.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2313
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2314 Declarations of external functions and functions to appear later in the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2315 source file should all go in one place near the beginning of the file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2316 (somewhere before the first function definition in the file), or else
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2317 should go in a header file. Don't put @code{extern} declarations inside
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2318 functions.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2319
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2320 @cindex temporary variables
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2321 It used to be common practice to use the same local variables (with
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2322 names like @code{tem}) over and over for different values within one
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2323 function. Instead of doing this, it is better declare a separate local
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2324 variable for each distinct purpose, and give it a name which is
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2325 meaningful. This not only makes programs easier to understand, it also
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2326 facilitates optimization by good compilers. You can also move the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2327 declaration of each local variable into the smallest scope that includes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2328 all its uses. This makes the program even cleaner.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2329
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2330 Don't use local variables or parameters that shadow global identifiers.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2331
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2332 @cindex multiple variables in a line
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2333 Don't declare multiple variables in one declaration that spans lines.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2334 Start a new declaration on each line, instead. For example, instead
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2335 of this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2336
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2337 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2338 @group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2339 int foo,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2340 bar;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2341 @end group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2342 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2343
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2344 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2345 write either this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2346
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2347 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2348 int foo, bar;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2349 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2350
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2351 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2352 or this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2353
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2354 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2355 int foo;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2356 int bar;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2357 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2358
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2359 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2360 (If they are global variables, each should have a comment preceding it
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2361 anyway.)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2362
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2363 When you have an @code{if}-@code{else} statement nested in another
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2364 @code{if} statement, always put braces around the @code{if}-@code{else}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2365 Thus, never write like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2366
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2367 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2368 if (foo)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2369 if (bar)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2370 win ();
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2371 else
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2372 lose ();
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2373 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2374
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2375 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2376 always like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2377
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2378 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2379 if (foo)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2380 @{
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2381 if (bar)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2382 win ();
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2383 else
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2384 lose ();
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2385 @}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2386 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2387
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2388 If you have an @code{if} statement nested inside of an @code{else}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2389 statement, either write @code{else if} on one line, like this,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2390
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2391 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2392 if (foo)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2393 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2394 else if (bar)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2395 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2396 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2397
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2398 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2399 with its @code{then}-part indented like the preceding @code{then}-part,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2400 or write the nested @code{if} within braces like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2401
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2402 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2403 if (foo)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2404 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2405 else
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2406 @{
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2407 if (bar)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2408 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2409 @}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2410 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2411
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2412 Don't declare both a structure tag and variables or typedefs in the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2413 same declaration. Instead, declare the structure tag separately
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2414 and then use it to declare the variables or typedefs.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2415
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2416 Try to avoid assignments inside @code{if}-conditions. For example,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2417 don't write this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2418
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2419 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2420 if ((foo = (char *) malloc (sizeof *foo)) == 0)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2421 fatal ("virtual memory exhausted");
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2422 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2423
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2424 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2425 instead, write this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2426
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2427 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2428 foo = (char *) malloc (sizeof *foo);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2429 if (foo == 0)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2430 fatal ("virtual memory exhausted");
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2431 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2432
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2433 @pindex lint
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2434 Don't make the program ugly to placate @code{lint}. Please don't insert any
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2435 casts to @code{void}. Zero without a cast is perfectly fine as a null
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2436 pointer constant, except when calling a varargs function.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2437
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2438 @node Names
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2439 @section Naming Variables and Functions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2440
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2441 @cindex names of variables and functions
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2442 The names of global variables and functions in a program serve as
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2443 comments of a sort. So don't choose terse names---instead, look for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2444 names that give useful information about the meaning of the variable or
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2445 function. In a GNU program, names should be English, like other
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2446 comments.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2447
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2448 Local variable names can be shorter, because they are used only within
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2449 one context, where (presumably) comments explain their purpose.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2450
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2451 Try to limit your use of abbreviations in symbol names. It is ok to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2452 make a few abbreviations, explain what they mean, and then use them
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2453 frequently, but don't use lots of obscure abbreviations.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2454
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2455 Please use underscores to separate words in a name, so that the Emacs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2456 word commands can be useful within them. Stick to lower case; reserve
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2457 upper case for macros and @code{enum} constants, and for name-prefixes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2458 that follow a uniform convention.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2459
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2460 For example, you should use names like @code{ignore_space_change_flag};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2461 don't use names like @code{iCantReadThis}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2462
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2463 Variables that indicate whether command-line options have been
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2464 specified should be named after the meaning of the option, not after
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2465 the option-letter. A comment should state both the exact meaning of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2466 the option and its letter. For example,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2467
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2468 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2469 @group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2470 /* Ignore changes in horizontal whitespace (-b). */
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2471 int ignore_space_change_flag;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2472 @end group
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2473 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2474
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2475 When you want to define names with constant integer values, use
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2476 @code{enum} rather than @samp{#define}. GDB knows about enumeration
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2477 constants.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2478
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2479 @cindex file-name limitations
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2480 @pindex doschk
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2481 You might want to make sure that none of the file names would conflict
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2482 the files were loaded onto an MS-DOS file system which shortens the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2483 names. You can use the program @code{doschk} to test for this.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2484
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2485 Some GNU programs were designed to limit themselves to file names of 14
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2486 characters or less, to avoid file name conflicts if they are read into
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2487 older System V systems. Please preserve this feature in the existing
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2488 GNU programs that have it, but there is no need to do this in new GNU
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2489 programs. @code{doschk} also reports file names longer than 14
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2490 characters.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2491
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2492 @node System Portability
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2493 @section Portability between System Types
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2494 @cindex portability, between system types
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2495
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2496 In the Unix world, ``portability'' refers to porting to different Unix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2497 versions. For a GNU program, this kind of portability is desirable, but
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2498 not paramount.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2499
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2500 The primary purpose of GNU software is to run on top of the GNU kernel,
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2501 compiled with the GNU C compiler, on various types of @sc{cpu}. So the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2502 kinds of portability that are absolutely necessary are quite limited.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2503 But it is important to support Linux-based GNU systems, since they
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2504 are the form of GNU that is popular.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2505
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2506 Beyond that, it is good to support the other free operating systems
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2507 (*BSD), and it is nice to support other Unix-like systems if you want
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2508 to. Supporting a variety of Unix-like systems is desirable, although
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2509 not paramount. It is usually not too hard, so you may as well do it.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2510 But you don't have to consider it an obligation, if it does turn out to
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2511 be hard.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2512
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2513 @pindex autoconf
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2514 The easiest way to achieve portability to most Unix-like systems is to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2515 use Autoconf. It's unlikely that your program needs to know more
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2516 information about the host platform than Autoconf can provide, simply
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2517 because most of the programs that need such knowledge have already been
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2518 written.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2519
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2520 Avoid using the format of semi-internal data bases (e.g., directories)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2521 when there is a higher-level alternative (@code{readdir}).
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2522
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2523 @cindex non-@sc{posix} systems, and portability
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2524 As for systems that are not like Unix, such as MSDOS, Windows, the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2525 Macintosh, VMS, and MVS, supporting them is often a lot of work. When
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2526 that is the case, it is better to spend your time adding features that
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2527 will be useful on GNU and GNU/Linux, rather than on supporting other
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2528 incompatible systems.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2529
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2530 It is a good idea to define the ``feature test macro''
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2531 @code{_GNU_SOURCE} when compiling your C files. When you compile on GNU
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2532 or GNU/Linux, this will enable the declarations of GNU library extension
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2533 functions, and that will usually give you a compiler error message if
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2534 you define the same function names in some other way in your program.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2535 (You don't have to actually @emph{use} these functions, if you prefer
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2536 to make the program more portable to other systems.)
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2537
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2538 But whether or not you use these GNU extensions, you should avoid
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2539 using their names for any other meanings. Doing so would make it hard
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2540 to move your code into other GNU programs.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2541
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2542 @node CPU Portability
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2543 @section Portability between @sc{cpu}s
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2544
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2545 @cindex data types, and portability
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2546 @cindex portability, and data types
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2547 Even GNU systems will differ because of differences among @sc{cpu}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2548 types---for example, difference in byte ordering and alignment
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2549 requirements. It is absolutely essential to handle these differences.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2550 However, don't make any effort to cater to the possibility that an
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2551 @code{int} will be less than 32 bits. We don't support 16-bit machines
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2552 in GNU.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2553
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2554 Similarly, don't make any effort to cater to the possibility that
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2555 @code{long} will be smaller than predefined types like @code{size_t}.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2556 For example, the following code is ok:
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2557
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2558 @example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2559 printf ("size = %lu\n", (unsigned long) sizeof array);
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2560 printf ("diff = %ld\n", (long) (pointer2 - pointer1));
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2561 @end example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2562
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2563 1989 Standard C requires this to work, and we know of only one
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2564 counterexample: 64-bit programs on Microsoft Windows IA-64. We will
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2565 leave it to those who want to port GNU programs to that environment
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2566 to figure out how to do it.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2567
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2568 Predefined file-size types like @code{off_t} are an exception: they are
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2569 longer than @code{long} on many platforms, so code like the above won't
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2570 work with them. One way to print an @code{off_t} value portably is to
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2571 print its digits yourself, one by one.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2572
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2573 Don't assume that the address of an @code{int} object is also the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2574 address of its least-significant byte. This is false on big-endian
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2575 machines. Thus, don't make the following mistake:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2576
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2577 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2578 int c;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2579 @dots{}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2580 while ((c = getchar()) != EOF)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2581 write(file_descriptor, &c, 1);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2582 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2583
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2584 When calling functions, you need not worry about the difference between
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2585 pointers of various types, or between pointers and integers. On most
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2586 machines, there's no difference anyway. As for the few machines where
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2587 there is a difference, all of them support Standard C prototypes, so you can
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2588 use prototypes (perhaps conditionalized to be active only in Standard C)
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2589 to make the code work on those systems.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2590
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2591 In certain cases, it is ok to pass integer and pointer arguments
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2592 indiscriminately to the same function, and use no prototype on any
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2593 system. For example, many GNU programs have error-reporting functions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2594 that pass their arguments along to @code{printf} and friends:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2595
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2596 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2597 error (s, a1, a2, a3)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2598 char *s;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2599 char *a1, *a2, *a3;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2600 @{
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2601 fprintf (stderr, "error: ");
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2602 fprintf (stderr, s, a1, a2, a3);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2603 @}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2604 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2605
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2606 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2607 In practice, this works on all machines, since a pointer is generally
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2608 the widest possible kind of argument; it is much simpler than any
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2609 ``correct'' alternative. Be sure @emph{not} to use a prototype for such
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2610 functions.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2611
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2612 If you have decided to use Standard C, then you can instead define
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2613 @code{error} using @file{stdarg.h}, and pass the arguments along to
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2614 @code{vfprintf}.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2615
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2616 @cindex casting pointers to integers
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2617 Avoid casting pointers to integers if you can. Such casts greatly
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2618 reduce portability, and in most programs they are easy to avoid. In the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2619 cases where casting pointers to integers is essential---such as, a Lisp
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2620 interpreter which stores type information as well as an address in one
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2621 word---you'll have to make explicit provisions to handle different word
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2622 sizes. You will also need to make provision for systems in which the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2623 normal range of addresses you can get from @code{malloc} starts far away
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2624 from zero.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2625
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2626 @node System Functions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2627 @section Calling System Functions
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2628 @cindex library functions, and portability
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2629 @cindex portability, and library functions
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2630
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2631 C implementations differ substantially. Standard C reduces but does
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2632 not eliminate the incompatibilities; meanwhile, many GNU packages still
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2633 support pre-standard compilers because this is not hard to do. This
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2634 chapter gives recommendations for how to use the more-or-less standard C
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2635 library functions to avoid unnecessary loss of portability.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2636
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2637 @itemize @bullet
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2638 @item
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2639 Don't use the return value of @code{sprintf}. It returns the number of
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2640 characters written on some systems, but not on all systems.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2641
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2642 @item
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2643 Be aware that @code{vfprintf} is not always available.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2644
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2645 @item
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2646 @code{main} should be declared to return type @code{int}. It should
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2647 terminate either by calling @code{exit} or by returning the integer
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2648 status code; make sure it cannot ever return an undefined value.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2649
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2650 @cindex declaration for system functions
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2651 @item
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2652 Don't declare system functions explicitly.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2653
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2654 Almost any declaration for a system function is wrong on some system.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2655 To minimize conflicts, leave it to the system header files to declare
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2656 system functions. If the headers don't declare a function, let it
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2657 remain undeclared.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2658
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2659 While it may seem unclean to use a function without declaring it, in
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2660 practice this works fine for most system library functions on the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2661 systems where this really happens; thus, the disadvantage is only
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2662 theoretical. By contrast, actual declarations have frequently caused
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2663 actual conflicts.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2664
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2665 @item
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2666 If you must declare a system function, don't specify the argument types.
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2667 Use an old-style declaration, not a Standard C prototype. The more you
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2668 specify about the function, the more likely a conflict.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2669
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2670 @item
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2671 In particular, don't unconditionally declare @code{malloc} or
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2672 @code{realloc}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2673
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2674 Most GNU programs use those functions just once, in functions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2675 conventionally named @code{xmalloc} and @code{xrealloc}. These
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2676 functions call @code{malloc} and @code{realloc}, respectively, and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2677 check the results.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2678
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2679 Because @code{xmalloc} and @code{xrealloc} are defined in your program,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2680 you can declare them in other files without any risk of type conflict.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2681
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2682 On most systems, @code{int} is the same length as a pointer; thus, the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2683 calls to @code{malloc} and @code{realloc} work fine. For the few
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2684 exceptional systems (mostly 64-bit machines), you can use
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2685 @strong{conditionalized} declarations of @code{malloc} and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2686 @code{realloc}---or put these declarations in configuration files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2687 specific to those systems.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2688
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2689 @cindex string library functions
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2690 @item
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2691 The string functions require special treatment. Some Unix systems have
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2692 a header file @file{string.h}; others have @file{strings.h}. Neither
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2693 file name is portable. There are two things you can do: use Autoconf to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2694 figure out which file to include, or don't include either file.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2695
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2696 @item
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2697 If you don't include either strings file, you can't get declarations for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2698 the string functions from the header file in the usual way.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2699
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2700 That causes less of a problem than you might think. The newer standard
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2701 string functions should be avoided anyway because many systems still
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2702 don't support them. The string functions you can use are these:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2703
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2704 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2705 strcpy strncpy strcat strncat
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2706 strlen strcmp strncmp
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2707 strchr strrchr
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2708 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2709
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2710 The copy and concatenate functions work fine without a declaration as
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2711 long as you don't use their values. Using their values without a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2712 declaration fails on systems where the width of a pointer differs from
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2713 the width of @code{int}, and perhaps in other cases. It is trivial to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2714 avoid using their values, so do that.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2715
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2716 The compare functions and @code{strlen} work fine without a declaration
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2717 on most systems, possibly all the ones that GNU software runs on.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2718 You may find it necessary to declare them @strong{conditionally} on a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2719 few systems.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2720
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2721 The search functions must be declared to return @code{char *}. Luckily,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2722 there is no variation in the data type they return. But there is
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2723 variation in their names. Some systems give these functions the names
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2724 @code{index} and @code{rindex}; other systems use the names
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2725 @code{strchr} and @code{strrchr}. Some systems support both pairs of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2726 names, but neither pair works on all systems.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2727
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2728 You should pick a single pair of names and use it throughout your
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2729 program. (Nowadays, it is better to choose @code{strchr} and
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2730 @code{strrchr} for new programs, since those are the standard
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2731 names.) Declare both of those names as functions returning @code{char
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2732 *}. On systems which don't support those names, define them as macros
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2733 in terms of the other pair. For example, here is what to put at the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2734 beginning of your file (or in a header) if you want to use the names
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2735 @code{strchr} and @code{strrchr} throughout:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2736
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2737 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2738 #ifndef HAVE_STRCHR
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2739 #define strchr index
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2740 #endif
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2741 #ifndef HAVE_STRRCHR
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2742 #define strrchr rindex
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2743 #endif
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2744
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2745 char *strchr ();
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2746 char *strrchr ();
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2747 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2748 @end itemize
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2749
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2750 Here we assume that @code{HAVE_STRCHR} and @code{HAVE_STRRCHR} are
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2751 macros defined in systems where the corresponding functions exist.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2752 One way to get them properly defined is to use Autoconf.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2753
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2754 @node Internationalization
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2755 @section Internationalization
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2756 @cindex internationalization
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2757
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2758 @pindex gettext
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2759 GNU has a library called GNU gettext that makes it easy to translate the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2760 messages in a program into various languages. You should use this
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2761 library in every program. Use English for the messages as they appear
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2762 in the program, and let gettext provide the way to translate them into
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2763 other languages.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2764
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2765 Using GNU gettext involves putting a call to the @code{gettext} macro
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2766 around each string that might need translation---like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2767
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2768 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2769 printf (gettext ("Processing file `%s'..."));
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2770 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2771
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2772 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2773 This permits GNU gettext to replace the string @code{"Processing file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2774 `%s'..."} with a translated version.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2775
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2776 Once a program uses gettext, please make a point of writing calls to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2777 @code{gettext} when you add new strings that call for translation.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2778
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2779 Using GNU gettext in a package involves specifying a @dfn{text domain
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2780 name} for the package. The text domain name is used to separate the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2781 translations for this package from the translations for other packages.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2782 Normally, the text domain name should be the same as the name of the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2783 package---for example, @samp{fileutils} for the GNU file utilities.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2784
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2785 @cindex message text, and internationalization
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2786 To enable gettext to work well, avoid writing code that makes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2787 assumptions about the structure of words or sentences. When you want
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2788 the precise text of a sentence to vary depending on the data, use two or
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2789 more alternative string constants each containing a complete sentences,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2790 rather than inserting conditionalized words or phrases into a single
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2791 sentence framework.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2792
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2793 Here is an example of what not to do:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2794
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2795 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2796 printf ("%d file%s processed", nfiles,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2797 nfiles != 1 ? "s" : "");
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2798 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2799
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2800 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2801 The problem with that example is that it assumes that plurals are made
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2802 by adding `s'. If you apply gettext to the format string, like this,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2803
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2804 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2805 printf (gettext ("%d file%s processed"), nfiles,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2806 nfiles != 1 ? "s" : "");
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2807 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2808
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2809 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2810 the message can use different words, but it will still be forced to use
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2811 `s' for the plural. Here is a better way:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2812
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2813 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2814 printf ((nfiles != 1 ? "%d files processed"
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2815 : "%d file processed"),
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2816 nfiles);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2817 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2818
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2819 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2820 This way, you can apply gettext to each of the two strings
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2821 independently:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2822
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2823 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2824 printf ((nfiles != 1 ? gettext ("%d files processed")
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2825 : gettext ("%d file processed")),
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2826 nfiles);
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2827 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2828
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2829 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2830 This can be any method of forming the plural of the word for ``file'', and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2831 also handles languages that require agreement in the word for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2832 ``processed''.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2833
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2834 A similar problem appears at the level of sentence structure with this
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2835 code:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2836
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2837 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2838 printf ("# Implicit rule search has%s been done.\n",
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2839 f->tried_implicit ? "" : " not");
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2840 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2841
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2842 @noindent
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2843 Adding @code{gettext} calls to this code cannot give correct results for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2844 all languages, because negation in some languages requires adding words
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2845 at more than one place in the sentence. By contrast, adding
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2846 @code{gettext} calls does the job straightfowardly if the code starts
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2847 out like this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2848
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2849 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2850 printf (f->tried_implicit
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2851 ? "# Implicit rule search has been done.\n",
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2852 : "# Implicit rule search has not been done.\n");
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2853 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2854
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2855 @node Mmap
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2856 @section Mmap
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2857 @findex mmap
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2858
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2859 Don't assume that @code{mmap} either works on all files or fails
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2860 for all files. It may work on some files and fail on others.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2861
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2862 The proper way to use @code{mmap} is to try it on the specific file for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2863 which you want to use it---and if @code{mmap} doesn't work, fall back on
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2864 doing the job in another way using @code{read} and @code{write}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2865
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2866 The reason this precaution is needed is that the GNU kernel (the HURD)
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2867 provides a user-extensible file system, in which there can be many
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2868 different kinds of ``ordinary files.'' Many of them support
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2869 @code{mmap}, but some do not. It is important to make programs handle
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2870 all these kinds of files.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2871
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2872 @node Documentation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2873 @chapter Documenting Programs
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2874 @cindex documentation
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2875
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2876 A GNU program should ideally come with full free documentation, adequate
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2877 for both reference and tutorial purposes. If the package can be
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2878 programmed or extended, the documentation should cover programming or
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2879 extending it, as well as just using it.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2880
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2881 @menu
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2882 * GNU Manuals:: Writing proper manuals.
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2883 * Doc Strings and Manuals:: Compiling doc strings doesn't make a manual.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2884 * Manual Structure Details:: Specific structure conventions.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2885 * License for Manuals:: Writing the distribution terms for a manual.
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2886 * Manual Credits:: Giving credit to documentation contributors.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2887 * Printed Manuals:: Mentioning the printed manual.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2888 * NEWS File:: NEWS files supplement manuals.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2889 * Change Logs:: Recording Changes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2890 * Man Pages:: Man pages are secondary.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2891 * Reading other Manuals:: How far you can go in learning
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2892 from other manuals.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2893 @end menu
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2894
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2895 @node GNU Manuals
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2896 @section GNU Manuals
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2897
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2898 The preferred document format for the GNU system is the Texinfo
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2899 formatting language. Every GNU package should (ideally) have
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2900 documentation in Texinfo both for reference and for learners. Texinfo
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2901 makes it possible to produce a good quality formatted book, using
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2902 @TeX{}, and to generate an Info file. It is also possible to generate
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2903 HTML output from Texinfo source. See the Texinfo manual, either the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2904 hardcopy, or the on-line version available through @code{info} or the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2905 Emacs Info subsystem (@kbd{C-h i}).
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2906
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2907 Nowadays some other formats such as Docbook and Sgmltexi can be
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2908 converted automatically into Texinfo. It is ok to produce the Texinfo
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2909 documentation by conversion this way, as long as it gives good results.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2910
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2911 Programmers often find it most natural to structure the documentation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2912 following the structure of the implementation, which they know. But
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2913 this structure is not necessarily good for explaining how to use the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2914 program; it may be irrelevant and confusing for a user.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2915
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2916 At every level, from the sentences in a paragraph to the grouping of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2917 topics into separate manuals, the right way to structure documentation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2918 is according to the concepts and questions that a user will have in mind
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2919 when reading it. Sometimes this structure of ideas matches the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2920 structure of the implementation of the software being documented---but
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2921 often they are different. Often the most important part of learning to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2922 write good documentation is learning to notice when you are structuring
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2923 the documentation like the implementation, and think about better
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2924 alternatives.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2925
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2926 For example, each program in the GNU system probably ought to be
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2927 documented in one manual; but this does not mean each program should
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2928 have its own manual. That would be following the structure of the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2929 implementation, rather than the structure that helps the user
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2930 understand.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2931
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2932 Instead, each manual should cover a coherent @emph{topic}. For example,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2933 instead of a manual for @code{diff} and a manual for @code{diff3}, we
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2934 have one manual for ``comparison of files'' which covers both of those
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2935 programs, as well as @code{cmp}. By documenting these programs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2936 together, we can make the whole subject clearer.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2937
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2938 The manual which discusses a program should certainly document all of
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2939 the program's command-line options and all of its commands. It should
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2940 give examples of their use. But don't organize the manual as a list of
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2941 features. Instead, organize it logically, by subtopics. Address the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2942 questions that a user will ask when thinking about the job that the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2943 program does.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2944
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2945 In general, a GNU manual should serve both as tutorial and reference.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2946 It should be set up for convenient access to each topic through Info,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2947 and for reading straight through (appendixes aside). A GNU manual
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2948 should give a good introduction to a beginner reading through from the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2949 start, and should also provide all the details that hackers want.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2950 The Bison manual is a good example of this---please take a look at it
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2951 to see what we mean.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2952
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2953 That is not as hard as it first sounds. Arrange each chapter as a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2954 logical breakdown of its topic, but order the sections, and write their
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2955 text, so that reading the chapter straight through makes sense. Do
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2956 likewise when structuring the book into chapters, and when structuring a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2957 section into paragraphs. The watchword is, @emph{at each point, address
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2958 the most fundamental and important issue raised by the preceding text.}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2959
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2960 If necessary, add extra chapters at the beginning of the manual which
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2961 are purely tutorial and cover the basics of the subject. These provide
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2962 the framework for a beginner to understand the rest of the manual. The
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2963 Bison manual provides a good example of how to do this.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2964
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2965 To serve as a reference, a manual should have an Index that list all the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2966 functions, variables, options, and important concepts that are part of
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2967 the program. One combined Index should do for a short manual, but
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2968 sometimes for a complex package it is better to use multiple indices.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2969 The Texinfo manual includes advice on preparing good index entries, see
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2970 @ref{Index Entries, , Making Index Entries, texinfo, The GNU Texinfo
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2971 Manual}, and see @ref{Indexing Commands, , Defining the Entries of an
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2972 Index, texinfo, The GNU Texinfo manual}.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2973
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2974 Don't use Unix man pages as a model for how to write GNU documentation;
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2975 most of them are terse, badly structured, and give inadequate
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2976 explanation of the underlying concepts. (There are, of course, some
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2977 exceptions.) Also, Unix man pages use a particular format which is
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2978 different from what we use in GNU manuals.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2979
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2980 Please include an email address in the manual for where to report
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2981 bugs @emph{in the manual}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2982
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2983 Please do not use the term ``pathname'' that is used in Unix
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2984 documentation; use ``file name'' (two words) instead. We use the term
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2985 ``path'' only for search paths, which are lists of directory names.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2986
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2987 Please do not use the term ``illegal'' to refer to erroneous input to a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
2988 computer program. Please use ``invalid'' for this, and reserve the term
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2989 ``illegal'' for activities punishable by law.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2990
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2991 @node Doc Strings and Manuals
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2992 @section Doc Strings and Manuals
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2993
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2994 Some programming systems, such as Emacs, provide a documentation string
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2995 for each function, command or variable. You may be tempted to write a
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2996 reference manual by compiling the documentation strings and writing a
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2997 little additional text to go around them---but you must not do it. That
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2998 approach is a fundamental mistake. The text of well-written
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
2999 documentation strings will be entirely wrong for a manual.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3000
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3001 A documentation string needs to stand alone---when it appears on the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3002 screen, there will be no other text to introduce or explain it.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3003 Meanwhile, it can be rather informal in style.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3004
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3005 The text describing a function or variable in a manual must not stand
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3006 alone; it appears in the context of a section or subsection. Other text
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3007 at the beginning of the section should explain some of the concepts, and
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3008 should often make some general points that apply to several functions or
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3009 variables. The previous descriptions of functions and variables in the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3010 section will also have given information about the topic. A description
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3011 written to stand alone would repeat some of that information; this
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3012 redundance looks bad. Meanwhile, the informality that is acceptable in
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3013 a documentation string is totally unacceptable in a manual.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3014
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3015 The only good way to use documentation strings in writing a good manual
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3016 is to use them as a source of information for writing good text.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3017
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3018 @node Manual Structure Details
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3019 @section Manual Structure Details
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3020 @cindex manual structure
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3021
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3022 The title page of the manual should state the version of the programs or
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3023 packages documented in the manual. The Top node of the manual should
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3024 also contain this information. If the manual is changing more
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3025 frequently than or independent of the program, also state a version
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3026 number for the manual in both of these places.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3027
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3028 Each program documented in the manual should have a node named
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3029 @samp{@var{program} Invocation} or @samp{Invoking @var{program}}. This
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3030 node (together with its subnodes, if any) should describe the program's
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3031 command line arguments and how to run it (the sort of information people
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3032 would look in a man page for). Start with an @samp{@@example}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3033 containing a template for all the options and arguments that the program
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3034 uses.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3035
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3036 Alternatively, put a menu item in some menu whose item name fits one of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3037 the above patterns. This identifies the node which that item points to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3038 as the node for this purpose, regardless of the node's actual name.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3039
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3040 The @samp{--usage} feature of the Info reader looks for such a node
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3041 or menu item in order to find the relevant text, so it is essential
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3042 for every Texinfo file to have one.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3043
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3044 If one manual describes several programs, it should have such a node for
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3045 each program described in the manual.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3046
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3047 @node License for Manuals
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3048 @section License for Manuals
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3049 @cindex license for manuals
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3050
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3051 Please use the GNU Free Documentation License for all GNU manuals that
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3052 are more than a few pages long. Likewise for a collection of short
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3053 documents---you only need one copy of the GNU FDL for the whole
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3054 collection. For a single short document, you can use a very permissive
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3055 non-copyleft license, to avoid taking up space with a long license.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3056
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3057 See @uref{http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl-howto.html} for more explanation
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3058 of how to employ the GFDL.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3059
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3060 Note that it is not obligatory to include a copy of the GNU GPL or GNU
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3061 LGPL in a manual whose license is neither the GPL nor the LGPL. It can
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3062 be a good idea to include the program's license in a large manual; in a
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3063 short manual, whose size would be increased considerably by including
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3064 the program's license, it is probably better not to include it.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3065
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3066 @node Manual Credits
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3067 @section Manual Credits
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3068 @cindex credits for manuals
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3069
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3070 Please credit the principal human writers of the manual as the authors,
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3071 on the title page of the manual. If a company sponsored the work, thank
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3072 the company in a suitable place in the manual, but do not cite the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3073 company as an author.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3074
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3075 @node Printed Manuals
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3076 @section Printed Manuals
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3077
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3078 The FSF publishes some GNU manuals in printed form. To encourage sales
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3079 of these manuals, the on-line versions of the manual should mention at
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3080 the very start that the printed manual is available and should point at
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3081 information for getting it---for instance, with a link to the page
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3082 @url{http://www.gnu.org/order/order.html}. This should not be included
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3083 in the printed manual, though, because there it is redundant.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3084
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3085 It is also useful to explain in the on-line forms of the manual how the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3086 user can print out the manual from the sources.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3087
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3088 @node NEWS File
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3089 @section The NEWS File
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3090 @cindex @file{NEWS} file
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3091
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3092 In addition to its manual, the package should have a file named
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3093 @file{NEWS} which contains a list of user-visible changes worth
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3094 mentioning. In each new release, add items to the front of the file and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3095 identify the version they pertain to. Don't discard old items; leave
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3096 them in the file after the newer items. This way, a user upgrading from
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3097 any previous version can see what is new.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3098
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3099 If the @file{NEWS} file gets very long, move some of the older items
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3100 into a file named @file{ONEWS} and put a note at the end referring the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3101 user to that file.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3102
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3103 @node Change Logs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3104 @section Change Logs
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3105 @cindex change logs
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3106
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3107 Keep a change log to describe all the changes made to program source
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3108 files. The purpose of this is so that people investigating bugs in the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3109 future will know about the changes that might have introduced the bug.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3110 Often a new bug can be found by looking at what was recently changed.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3111 More importantly, change logs can help you eliminate conceptual
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3112 inconsistencies between different parts of a program, by giving you a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3113 history of how the conflicting concepts arose and who they came from.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3114
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3115 @menu
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3116 * Change Log Concepts::
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3117 * Style of Change Logs::
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3118 * Simple Changes::
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3119 * Conditional Changes::
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3120 * Indicating the Part Changed::
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3121 @end menu
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3122
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3123 @node Change Log Concepts
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3124 @subsection Change Log Concepts
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3125
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3126 You can think of the change log as a conceptual ``undo list'' which
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3127 explains how earlier versions were different from the current version.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3128 People can see the current version; they don't need the change log
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3129 to tell them what is in it. What they want from a change log is a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3130 clear explanation of how the earlier version differed.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3131
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3132 The change log file is normally called @file{ChangeLog} and covers an
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3133 entire directory. Each directory can have its own change log, or a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3134 directory can use the change log of its parent directory--it's up to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3135 you.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3136
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3137 Another alternative is to record change log information with a version
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3138 control system such as RCS or CVS. This can be converted automatically
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3139 to a @file{ChangeLog} file using @code{rcs2log}; in Emacs, the command
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3140 @kbd{C-x v a} (@code{vc-update-change-log}) does the job.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3141
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3142 There's no need to describe the full purpose of the changes or how they
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3143 work together. If you think that a change calls for explanation, you're
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3144 probably right. Please do explain it---but please put the explanation
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3145 in comments in the code, where people will see it whenever they see the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3146 code. For example, ``New function'' is enough for the change log when
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3147 you add a function, because there should be a comment before the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3148 function definition to explain what it does.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3149
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3150 However, sometimes it is useful to write one line to describe the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3151 overall purpose of a batch of changes.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3152
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3153 The easiest way to add an entry to @file{ChangeLog} is with the Emacs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3154 command @kbd{M-x add-change-log-entry}. An entry should have an
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3155 asterisk, the name of the changed file, and then in parentheses the name
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3156 of the changed functions, variables or whatever, followed by a colon.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3157 Then describe the changes you made to that function or variable.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3158
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3159 @node Style of Change Logs
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3160 @subsection Style of Change Logs
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3161 @cindex change logs, style
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3162
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3163 Here are some simple examples of change log entries, starting with the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3164 header line that says who made the change and when, followed by
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3165 descriptions of specific changes. (These examples are drawn from Emacs
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3166 and GCC.)
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3167
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3168 @example
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3169 1998-08-17 Richard Stallman <rms@@gnu.org>
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3170
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3171 * register.el (insert-register): Return nil.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3172 (jump-to-register): Likewise.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3173
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3174 * sort.el (sort-subr): Return nil.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3175
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3176 * tex-mode.el (tex-bibtex-file, tex-file, tex-region):
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3177 Restart the tex shell if process is gone or stopped.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3178 (tex-shell-running): New function.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3179
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3180 * expr.c (store_one_arg): Round size up for move_block_to_reg.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3181 (expand_call): Round up when emitting USE insns.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3182 * stmt.c (assign_parms): Round size up for move_block_from_reg.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3183 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3184
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3185 It's important to name the changed function or variable in full. Don't
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3186 abbreviate function or variable names, and don't combine them.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3187 Subsequent maintainers will often search for a function name to find all
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3188 the change log entries that pertain to it; if you abbreviate the name,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3189 they won't find it when they search.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3190
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3191 For example, some people are tempted to abbreviate groups of function
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3192 names by writing @samp{* register.el (@{insert,jump-to@}-register)};
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3193 this is not a good idea, since searching for @code{jump-to-register} or
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3194 @code{insert-register} would not find that entry.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3195
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3196 Separate unrelated change log entries with blank lines. When two
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3197 entries represent parts of the same change, so that they work together,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3198 then don't put blank lines between them. Then you can omit the file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3199 name and the asterisk when successive entries are in the same file.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3200
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3201 Break long lists of function names by closing continued lines with
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3202 @samp{)}, rather than @samp{,}, and opening the continuation with
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3203 @samp{(} as in this example:
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3204
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3205 @example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3206 * keyboard.c (menu_bar_items, tool_bar_items)
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3207 (Fexecute_extended_command): Deal with `keymap' property.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3208 @end example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3209
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3210 @node Simple Changes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3211 @subsection Simple Changes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3212
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3213 Certain simple kinds of changes don't need much detail in the change
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3214 log.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3215
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3216 When you change the calling sequence of a function in a simple fashion,
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3217 and you change all the callers of the function to use the new calling
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3218 sequence, there is no need to make individual entries for all the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3219 callers that you changed. Just write in the entry for the function
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3220 being called, ``All callers changed''---like this:
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3221
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3222 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3223 * keyboard.c (Fcommand_execute): New arg SPECIAL.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3224 All callers changed.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3225 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3226
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3227 When you change just comments or doc strings, it is enough to write an
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3228 entry for the file, without mentioning the functions. Just ``Doc
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3229 fixes'' is enough for the change log.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3230
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3231 There's no need to make change log entries for documentation files.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3232 This is because documentation is not susceptible to bugs that are hard
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3233 to fix. Documentation does not consist of parts that must interact in a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3234 precisely engineered fashion. To correct an error, you need not know
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3235 the history of the erroneous passage; it is enough to compare what the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3236 documentation says with the way the program actually works.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3237
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3238 @node Conditional Changes
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3239 @subsection Conditional Changes
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3240 @cindex conditional changes, and change logs
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3241 @cindex change logs, conditional changes
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3242
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3243 C programs often contain compile-time @code{#if} conditionals. Many
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3244 changes are conditional; sometimes you add a new definition which is
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3245 entirely contained in a conditional. It is very useful to indicate in
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3246 the change log the conditions for which the change applies.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3247
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3248 Our convention for indicating conditional changes is to use square
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3249 brackets around the name of the condition.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3250
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3251 Here is a simple example, describing a change which is conditional but
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3252 does not have a function or entity name associated with it:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3253
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3254 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3255 * xterm.c [SOLARIS2]: Include string.h.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3256 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3257
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3258 Here is an entry describing a new definition which is entirely
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3259 conditional. This new definition for the macro @code{FRAME_WINDOW_P} is
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3260 used only when @code{HAVE_X_WINDOWS} is defined:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3261
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3262 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3263 * frame.h [HAVE_X_WINDOWS] (FRAME_WINDOW_P): Macro defined.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3264 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3265
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3266 Here is an entry for a change within the function @code{init_display},
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3267 whose definition as a whole is unconditional, but the changes themselves
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3268 are contained in a @samp{#ifdef HAVE_LIBNCURSES} conditional:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3269
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3270 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3271 * dispnew.c (init_display) [HAVE_LIBNCURSES]: If X, call tgetent.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3272 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3273
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3274 Here is an entry for a change that takes affect only when
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3275 a certain macro is @emph{not} defined:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3276
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3277 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3278 (gethostname) [!HAVE_SOCKETS]: Replace with winsock version.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3279 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3280
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3281 @node Indicating the Part Changed
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3282 @subsection Indicating the Part Changed
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3283
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3284 Indicate the part of a function which changed by using angle brackets
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3285 enclosing an indication of what the changed part does. Here is an entry
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3286 for a change in the part of the function @code{sh-while-getopts} that
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3287 deals with @code{sh} commands:
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3288
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3289 @example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3290 * progmodes/sh-script.el (sh-while-getopts) <sh>: Handle case that
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3291 user-specified option string is empty.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3292 @end example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3293
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3294
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3295 @node Man Pages
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3296 @section Man Pages
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3297 @cindex man pages
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3298
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3299 In the GNU project, man pages are secondary. It is not necessary or
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3300 expected for every GNU program to have a man page, but some of them do.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3301 It's your choice whether to include a man page in your program.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3302
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3303 When you make this decision, consider that supporting a man page
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3304 requires continual effort each time the program is changed. The time
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3305 you spend on the man page is time taken away from more useful work.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3306
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3307 For a simple program which changes little, updating the man page may be
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3308 a small job. Then there is little reason not to include a man page, if
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3309 you have one.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3310
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3311 For a large program that changes a great deal, updating a man page may
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3312 be a substantial burden. If a user offers to donate a man page, you may
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3313 find this gift costly to accept. It may be better to refuse the man
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3314 page unless the same person agrees to take full responsibility for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3315 maintaining it---so that you can wash your hands of it entirely. If
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3316 this volunteer later ceases to do the job, then don't feel obliged to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3317 pick it up yourself; it may be better to withdraw the man page from the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3318 distribution until someone else agrees to update it.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3319
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3320 When a program changes only a little, you may feel that the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3321 discrepancies are small enough that the man page remains useful without
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3322 updating. If so, put a prominent note near the beginning of the man
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3323 page explaining that you don't maintain it and that the Texinfo manual
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3324 is more authoritative. The note should say how to access the Texinfo
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3325 documentation.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3326
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3327 @node Reading other Manuals
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3328 @section Reading other Manuals
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3329
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3330 There may be non-free books or documentation files that describe the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3331 program you are documenting.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3332
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3333 It is ok to use these documents for reference, just as the author of a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3334 new algebra textbook can read other books on algebra. A large portion
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3335 of any non-fiction book consists of facts, in this case facts about how
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3336 a certain program works, and these facts are necessarily the same for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3337 everyone who writes about the subject. But be careful not to copy your
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3338 outline structure, wording, tables or examples from preexisting non-free
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3339 documentation. Copying from free documentation may be ok; please check
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3340 with the FSF about the individual case.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3341
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3342 @node Managing Releases
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3343 @chapter The Release Process
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3344 @cindex releasing
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3345
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3346 Making a release is more than just bundling up your source files in a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3347 tar file and putting it up for FTP. You should set up your software so
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3348 that it can be configured to run on a variety of systems. Your Makefile
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3349 should conform to the GNU standards described below, and your directory
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3350 layout should also conform to the standards discussed below. Doing so
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3351 makes it easy to include your package into the larger framework of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3352 all GNU software.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3353
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3354 @menu
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3355 * Configuration:: How Configuration Should Work
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3356 * Makefile Conventions:: Makefile Conventions
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3357 * Releases:: Making Releases
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3358 @end menu
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3359
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3360 @node Configuration
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3361 @section How Configuration Should Work
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3362 @cindex program configuration
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3363
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3364 @pindex configure
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3365 Each GNU distribution should come with a shell script named
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3366 @code{configure}. This script is given arguments which describe the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3367 kind of machine and system you want to compile the program for.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3368
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3369 The @code{configure} script must record the configuration options so
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3370 that they affect compilation.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3371
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3372 One way to do this is to make a link from a standard name such as
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3373 @file{config.h} to the proper configuration file for the chosen system.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3374 If you use this technique, the distribution should @emph{not} contain a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3375 file named @file{config.h}. This is so that people won't be able to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3376 build the program without configuring it first.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3377
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3378 Another thing that @code{configure} can do is to edit the Makefile. If
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3379 you do this, the distribution should @emph{not} contain a file named
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3380 @file{Makefile}. Instead, it should include a file @file{Makefile.in} which
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3381 contains the input used for editing. Once again, this is so that people
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3382 won't be able to build the program without configuring it first.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3383
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3384 If @code{configure} does write the @file{Makefile}, then @file{Makefile}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3385 should have a target named @file{Makefile} which causes @code{configure}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3386 to be rerun, setting up the same configuration that was set up last
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3387 time. The files that @code{configure} reads should be listed as
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3388 dependencies of @file{Makefile}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3389
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3390 All the files which are output from the @code{configure} script should
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3391 have comments at the beginning explaining that they were generated
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3392 automatically using @code{configure}. This is so that users won't think
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3393 of trying to edit them by hand.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3394
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3395 The @code{configure} script should write a file named @file{config.status}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3396 which describes which configuration options were specified when the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3397 program was last configured. This file should be a shell script which,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3398 if run, will recreate the same configuration.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3399
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3400 The @code{configure} script should accept an option of the form
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3401 @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}} to specify the directory where sources are found
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3402 (if it is not the current directory). This makes it possible to build
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3403 the program in a separate directory, so that the actual source directory
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3404 is not modified.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3405
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3406 If the user does not specify @samp{--srcdir}, then @code{configure} should
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3407 check both @file{.} and @file{..} to see if it can find the sources. If
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3408 it finds the sources in one of these places, it should use them from
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3409 there. Otherwise, it should report that it cannot find the sources, and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3410 should exit with nonzero status.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3411
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3412 Usually the easy way to support @samp{--srcdir} is by editing a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3413 definition of @code{VPATH} into the Makefile. Some rules may need to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3414 refer explicitly to the specified source directory. To make this
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3415 possible, @code{configure} can add to the Makefile a variable named
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3416 @code{srcdir} whose value is precisely the specified directory.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3417
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3418 The @code{configure} script should also take an argument which specifies the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3419 type of system to build the program for. This argument should look like
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3420 this:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3421
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3422 @example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3423 @var{cpu}-@var{company}-@var{system}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3424 @end example
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3425
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3426 For example, a Sun 3 might be @samp{m68k-sun-sunos4.1}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3427
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3428 The @code{configure} script needs to be able to decode all plausible
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3429 alternatives for how to describe a machine. Thus, @samp{sun3-sunos4.1}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3430 would be a valid alias. For many programs, @samp{vax-dec-ultrix} would
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3431 be an alias for @samp{vax-dec-bsd}, simply because the differences
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3432 between Ultrix and @sc{bsd} are rarely noticeable, but a few programs
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3433 might need to distinguish them.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3434 @c Real 4.4BSD now runs on some Suns.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3435
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3436 There is a shell script called @file{config.sub} that you can use
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3437 as a subroutine to validate system types and canonicalize aliases.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3438
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3439 @cindex optional features, configure-time
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3440 Other options are permitted to specify in more detail the software
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3441 or hardware present on the machine, and include or exclude optional
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3442 parts of the package:
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3443
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3444 @table @samp
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3445 @item --enable-@var{feature}@r{[}=@var{parameter}@r{]}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3446 Configure the package to build and install an optional user-level
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3447 facility called @var{feature}. This allows users to choose which
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3448 optional features to include. Giving an optional @var{parameter} of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3449 @samp{no} should omit @var{feature}, if it is built by default.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3450
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3451 No @samp{--enable} option should @strong{ever} cause one feature to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3452 replace another. No @samp{--enable} option should ever substitute one
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3453 useful behavior for another useful behavior. The only proper use for
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3454 @samp{--enable} is for questions of whether to build part of the program
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3455 or exclude it.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3456
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3457 @item --with-@var{package}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3458 @c @r{[}=@var{parameter}@r{]}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3459 The package @var{package} will be installed, so configure this package
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3460 to work with @var{package}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3461
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3462 @c Giving an optional @var{parameter} of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3463 @c @samp{no} should omit @var{package}, if it is used by default.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3464
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3465 Possible values of @var{package} include
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3466 @samp{gnu-as} (or @samp{gas}), @samp{gnu-ld}, @samp{gnu-libc},
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3467 @samp{gdb},
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3468 @samp{x},
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3469 and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3470 @samp{x-toolkit}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3471
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3472 Do not use a @samp{--with} option to specify the file name to use to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3473 find certain files. That is outside the scope of what @samp{--with}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3474 options are for.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3475 @end table
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3476
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3477 All @code{configure} scripts should accept all of these ``detail''
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3478 options, whether or not they make any difference to the particular
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3479 package at hand. In particular, they should accept any option that
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3480 starts with @samp{--with-} or @samp{--enable-}. This is so users will
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3481 be able to configure an entire GNU source tree at once with a single set
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3482 of options.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3483
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3484 You will note that the categories @samp{--with-} and @samp{--enable-}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3485 are narrow: they @strong{do not} provide a place for any sort of option
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3486 you might think of. That is deliberate. We want to limit the possible
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3487 configuration options in GNU software. We do not want GNU programs to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3488 have idiosyncratic configuration options.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3489
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3490 Packages that perform part of the compilation process may support
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3491 cross-compilation. In such a case, the host and target machines for the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3492 program may be different.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3493
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3494 The @code{configure} script should normally treat the specified type of
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3495 system as both the host and the target, thus producing a program which
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3496 works for the same type of machine that it runs on.
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3497
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3498 To configure a cross-compiler, cross-assembler, or what have you, you
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3499 should specify a target different from the host, using the configure
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3500 option @samp{--target=@var{targettype}}. The syntax for
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3501 @var{targettype} is the same as for the host type. So the command would
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3502 look like this:
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3503
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3504 @example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3505 ./configure @var{hosttype} --target=@var{targettype}
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3506 @end example
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3507
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3508 Programs for which cross-operation is not meaningful need not accept the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3509 @samp{--target} option, because configuring an entire operating system for
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3510 cross-operation is not a meaningful operation.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3511
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3512 Bootstrapping a cross-compiler requires compiling it on a machine other
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3513 than the host it will run on. Compilation packages accept a
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3514 configuration option @samp{--build=@var{buildtype}} for specifying the
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3515 configuration on which you will compile them, but the configure script
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3516 should normally guess the build machine type (using
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3517 @file{config.guess}), so this option is probably not necessary. The
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3518 host and target types normally default from the build type, so in
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3519 bootstrapping a cross-compiler you must specify them both explicitly.
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3520
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3521 Some programs have ways of configuring themselves automatically. If
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3522 your program is set up to do this, your @code{configure} script can simply
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3523 ignore most of its arguments.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3524
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3525 @comment The makefile standards are in a separate file that is also
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3526 @comment included by make.texinfo. Done by roland@gnu.ai.mit.edu on 1/6/93.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3527 @comment For this document, turn chapters into sections, etc.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3528 @lowersections
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3529 @include make-stds.texi
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3530 @raisesections
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3531
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3532 @node Releases
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3533 @section Making Releases
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3534 @cindex packaging
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3535
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3536 Package the distribution of @code{Foo version 69.96} up in a gzipped tar
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3537 file with the name @file{foo-69.96.tar.gz}. It should unpack into a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3538 subdirectory named @file{foo-69.96}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3539
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3540 Building and installing the program should never modify any of the files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3541 contained in the distribution. This means that all the files that form
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3542 part of the program in any way must be classified into @dfn{source
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3543 files} and @dfn{non-source files}. Source files are written by humans
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3544 and never changed automatically; non-source files are produced from
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3545 source files by programs under the control of the Makefile.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3546
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3547 @cindex @file{README} file
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3548 The distribution should contain a file named @file{README} which gives
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3549 the name of the package, and a general description of what it does. It
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3550 is also good to explain the purpose of each of the first-level
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3551 subdirectories in the package, if there are any. The @file{README} file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3552 should either state the version number of the package, or refer to where
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3553 in the package it can be found.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3554
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3555 The @file{README} file should refer to the file @file{INSTALL}, which
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3556 should contain an explanation of the installation procedure.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3557
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3558 The @file{README} file should also refer to the file which contains the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3559 copying conditions. The GNU GPL, if used, should be in a file called
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3560 @file{COPYING}. If the GNU LGPL is used, it should be in a file called
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3561 @file{COPYING.LIB}.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3562
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3563 Naturally, all the source files must be in the distribution. It is okay
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3564 to include non-source files in the distribution, provided they are
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3565 up-to-date and machine-independent, so that building the distribution
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3566 normally will never modify them. We commonly include non-source files
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3567 produced by Bison, @code{lex}, @TeX{}, and @code{makeinfo}; this helps avoid
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3568 unnecessary dependencies between our distributions, so that users can
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3569 install whichever packages they want to install.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3570
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3571 Non-source files that might actually be modified by building and
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3572 installing the program should @strong{never} be included in the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3573 distribution. So if you do distribute non-source files, always make
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3574 sure they are up to date when you make a new distribution.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3575
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3576 Make sure that the directory into which the distribution unpacks (as
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3577 well as any subdirectories) are all world-writable (octal mode 777).
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3578 This is so that old versions of @code{tar} which preserve the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3579 ownership and permissions of the files from the tar archive will be
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3580 able to extract all the files even if the user is unprivileged.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3581
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3582 Make sure that all the files in the distribution are world-readable.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3583
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3584 Make sure that no file name in the distribution is more than 14
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3585 characters long. Likewise, no file created by building the program
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3586 should have a name longer than 14 characters. The reason for this is
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3587 that some systems adhere to a foolish interpretation of the @sc{posix}
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3588 standard, and refuse to open a longer name, rather than truncating as
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3589 they did in the past.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3590
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3591 Don't include any symbolic links in the distribution itself. If the tar
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3592 file contains symbolic links, then people cannot even unpack it on
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3593 systems that don't support symbolic links. Also, don't use multiple
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3594 names for one file in different directories, because certain file
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3595 systems cannot handle this and that prevents unpacking the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3596 distribution.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3597
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3598 Try to make sure that all the file names will be unique on MS-DOS. A
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3599 name on MS-DOS consists of up to 8 characters, optionally followed by a
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3600 period and up to three characters. MS-DOS will truncate extra
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3601 characters both before and after the period. Thus,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3602 @file{foobarhacker.c} and @file{foobarhacker.o} are not ambiguous; they
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3603 are truncated to @file{foobarha.c} and @file{foobarha.o}, which are
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3604 distinct.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3605
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3606 @cindex @file{texinfo.tex}, in a distribution
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3607 Include in your distribution a copy of the @file{texinfo.tex} you used
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3608 to test print any @file{*.texinfo} or @file{*.texi} files.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3609
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3610 Likewise, if your program uses small GNU software packages like regex,
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3611 getopt, obstack, or termcap, include them in the distribution file.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3612 Leaving them out would make the distribution file a little smaller at
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3613 the expense of possible inconvenience to a user who doesn't know what
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3614 other files to get.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3615
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3616 @node References
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3617 @chapter References to Non-Free Software and Documentation
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3618 @cindex references to non-free material
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3619
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3620 A GNU program should not recommend use of any non-free program. We
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3621 can't stop some people from writing proprietary programs, or stop other
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3622 people from using them. But we can and should avoid helping to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3623 advertise them to new customers.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3624
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3625 Sometimes it is important to mention how to build your package on top of
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3626 some non-free operating system or other non-free base package. In such
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3627 cases, please mention the name of the non-free package or system in the
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3628 briefest possible way. Don't include any references for where to find
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3629 more information about the proprietary program. The goal should be that
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3630 people already using the proprietary program will get the advice they
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3631 need about how to use your free program, while people who don't already
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3632 use the proprietary program will not see anything to encourage them to
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3633 take an interest in it.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3634
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3635 Likewise, a GNU package should not refer the user to any non-free
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3636 documentation for free software. The need for free documentation to go
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3637 with free software is now a major focus of the GNU project; to show that
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3638 we are serious about the need for free documentation, we must not
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3639 undermine our position by recommending use of documentation that isn't
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3640 free.
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3641
462
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3642 @node Index
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3643 @unnumbered Index
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3644 @printindex cp
0784d089fdc9 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-46
cvs
parents: 428
diff changeset
3645
428
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3646 @contents
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3647
3ecd8885ac67 Import from CVS: tag r21-2-22
cvs
parents:
diff changeset
3648 @bye