Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 09:07:46 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Mike A. Harris" <mharris AT blackwidow DOT saultc DOT on DOT ca>
Reply-To: "Mike A. Harris" <mharris AT blackwidow DOT saultc DOT on DOT ca>
To: yeep <yeep AT xs4all DOT nl>
cc: OpenDOS Mailing List <opendos AT delorie DOT com>
Subject: Re: FSSTD (was Re: DOS utilities)
In-Reply-To: <199705252125.XAA13658@magigimmix.xs4all.nl>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.3.95.970527085730.13320Q-100000@capslock.com>
Organization: Total disorganization.
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On Sun, 25 May 1997, yeep wrote:

> > > Yes, I'd rather follow my own standard as well.
> > > as a matter of fact, we discussed this already, and there were some
> idea's
> > > about env-vars or some ascii-file-env-var-extention, which saves
> memory.
> > > I myself prefer a standard which you can fill in yourself, like in a
> file
> > > called FSSTND.OD or somehting, which could probably be included in a
> > 
> > But then there is nothing standard about it.
> 
> Yeah there is.
> A program checks the LIB_PATH env-var to find where to put the library
> files.
> But each user can fill in it's own directory.
> This way I can name the directories how I want and put them were I want and
> still not screw up any programs that want to use the FSSTND

Well that isn't a FSSTND.  A filesystem standard describes
exactly where in a given filesystem certain files and directories
are to be found.  What if you want to NFS mount an OpenDOS APPS
directory onto a Linux box?  Do you type
"mount odhost:/apps -t nfs" ?

Not if a "special file" (SP) or "environment variables" (EV) are
used on the OD system to describe where things go.  The methods
that you describe are "indirect access" methods, but they have
very weak points.  By using a FSSTND, one can install software in
the FSSTND dictated places, and *THEN* use symlinks or other
additional indirection methods to fake the non-standard names
that they prefer.  For example, lets say you want to install DOOM
into "C:\DOOM" but the FSSTND dictates that it should be
installed in "\GAMES\DOOM".  Well, to comply with FSSTND, you
could install it in the prescribed directory, and then make a
symlink like this:  ln -s \GAMES\DOOM C:\DOOM

Now you can do whatever you want.

Keep in mind, that although symlinks aren't currently available
in DOS, they will be before too long, and that SUBST and/or JOIN
or some other similar utility could be used for faking until such
time as symlinks exist.

Do you follow the FSSTND?  It's up to you!  "Users" are hardly
likely to even consider it.  It is "commercial" people who will
benefit most from such a system, and it is them who will actually
create such a standard if it is deemed worthwhile.  We will then
either use it, or continue on our merry way.

Unfortunately, I feel the latter.  A SP/EV method is a hack, and
as that is not networkable.


Mike A. Harris        |             http://blackwidow.saultc.on.ca/~mharris
Computer Consultant   |                  Coming soon: dynamic-IP-freedom...
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