Re: [PATCH] issue warnings for more missing optional libraries

[Jim Meyering]

Pádraig Brady wrote:

> Jim Meyering wrote:
>>
>> What do you think about suggesting with each how to install
>> the missing package, e.g.,
>>
>>     You can install the required libgmp.* files
>>     via "yum install gmp-devel" on a fedora-based system,
>>     or "apt-get install gmp-devel" on a  debian-based system.
>>
>> The easier we make it for people to discover which libraries are
>> required/recommended and to install them, the more often people will use 
>> them.
>>
>> No big deal, though.
>
> I thought about it but didn't do that for 2 reasons.
>
> 1. It's not generic. What about archlinux, bsd, ...

It's your call.
I figured that making it easier for the vast majority
compensates for being less than perfectly generic.
I suspect that targeting apt-based and yum-based distros
would cover well over 80% of our audience.

> 2. The package names might change on fedora, debian

Unlikely, but as I said, no big deal.

> Hmm maybe if I clarify the messages to the following:
>
>     configure: WARNING: libacl development library was not found or not 
> usable.
>     configure: WARNING: GNU coreutils will be built without ACL support.
>     configure: WARNING: libselinux was found but selinux/selinux.h is missing.
>     configure: WARNING: GNU coreutils will be compiled without SELinux 
> support.
>     configure: WARNING: libattr development library was not found or not 
> usable.
>     configure: WARNING: GNU coreutils will be built without xattr support.
>     configure: WARNING: libcap development library was not found or not 
> usable.
>     configure: WARNING: GNU coreutils will be built without capability 
> support.
>     configure: WARNING: libgmp development library was not found or not 
> usable.
>     configure: WARNING: GNU coreutils will be built without GMP support

Even better.  Thanks!