Date: 16 May 1996 18:15:46 -0500 From: "Richard Wackerbarth" <rkw@dataplex.net> To: "FreeBSD Hackers" <hackers@FreeBSD.ORG> Cc: "FreeBSD Current" <freebsd-current@FreeBSD.ORG>, "freebsd-stable@freebsd.org" <freebsd-stable@FreeBSD.ORG> Subject: Standard Shipping Containers - A Proposal for Distributing FreeBSD Message-ID: <n1379851927.76789@Richard Wackerbarth>
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I see what appears to me to be a problem in the distribution of FreeBSD
sources. I also propose a solution. I welcome your discussion.
Richard
The Problem:
There are too many different variations of the same basic information.
The Product:
There are, and logically should be, four different "product lines". At the
moment, they are 2.1, 2.2, "current", and "cvs". Each has its purpose and I
don't intend to comment on that except to note that the similarities in the
first three exceed their differences.
The Distribution:
There are seven distribution channels upon which I will comment.
1) Direct access to the master tree. This really applies only
to the cvs tree and is "the only way to go" for commiters
who are well connected.
2) Using "mirror".
3) Using "mirror" with directory listing cached on the server.
4) Using "sup".
5) Using "ctm".
6) Using distribution tarballs.
7) Using the "live file system" from CD.
Characteristics of the Distribution Mechanisms.
a) Only (1) and (2) provide "up to the minute" copies. All the
rest give only a snapshot at server defined intervals.
However, they exert an extremely heavy load on the server.
The remainder compromise (in a reasonable mannner) by reusing
the tree scan for multiple users at the expense of a delay
in the update.
b) (3) and (4) are functionally similar
c) (1) thru (5) offer incremental updates.
The Specific Difficulty.
Each distribution mechanism has its own way of getting started.
If I start with a clean disk, I must obtain a very large (28M
compressed for the whole source) "update" to get started. In
general, I cannot use the results of another distribution in
place of a large portion of that transfer.
CTM is perhaps better in that with it, we can create an update
to transform one tree into another. However, it is significant
work to attempt to identify and create the transformations from
multiple starting points.
The Proposal.
Since all the reasonable distribution mechanisms are based upon
server initiated snapshots, I suggest that, for each product,
we do the following:
1) Have a single mechanism to define the snapshots that will
be delivered. Then assure that everyone delivers exactly
the same "product".
2) Include with that distribution the identifier(s) which would
allow a user to use that distribution as a starting place
for another distribution method. (In the case of CTM, this
would mean the .ctm_status file.)
Suggested details.
1) Since we are running CTM for each of the products, I would
start by having the CTM servers define the snapshots. The
.ctm_status file would then become a part of the source tree
and everyone would distribute it. In particular, it would
get included on the sup servers, in the distribution tarballs,
and on the live file system CD. This would allow anyone who
has a copy of the tree from any of these sources to update it
by applying the ctm files.
2) I would also make available the directory of sup update keys.
Although the one on the CD should match that distribution,
they do not have to be maintained totally up-to-date. If you
use a slightly out-of-date version, sup will simply replace
a few additional files.
3) In order to coordinate these events, the sup servers would
trigger their updates on the basis of the receipt of a ctm
update.
4) In preparing a CD-ROM, we need to either
a) freeze the source tree far enough in advance of the
release to allow the updates to make the update circuit,
or,
b) freeze the update circuit and anticipate the effect of
the final update or,
c) use a combination of the two. Freeze the ctm updates
before the fact. Allow the sup update to propogate.
for inclusion on the CD. Anticipate the ctm update by
adding one to the last count propogated if there were
any changes. After the CD is frozen, use it to generate
the next input to the ctm sequence.
Conclusions:
1) Such a methodology will assure that it is easy for any user
to jump from a CD or tarball to ctm or sup without having
to re-aquire the bulk of the sources.
2) Sup can be used to repair a damaged tree when a complete
ctm sequence is not available locally.
3) Ctm can be used for routine updates to avoid transferring
the entire file to realize a minor change.
4) We need to enhance ctm to allow it to recognize intentionally
pruned trees and ignore that portion of the update. (The
argument for this conclusion was not included in this
document)
--
...computers in the future may have only 1,000 vacuum tubes and weigh
only 1/2 tons. -- Popular Mechanics, March 1949
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