[Gnu-arch-users] [BUG] tla --version is not parse-able

[Mikhael Goikhman]

Currently the output of "tla --version" does not contain tla version
in the clear form. It may even easily contain quite a different info:

  [neptune.sourcecontrol]% tla --version | head -1
  tla tla-1:20041104-1.lord from regexps.com

There are currently several tla flavors around with a different degree of
changes in the interface, tla-1.3, tla-1.4pre1, baz-1.1, and more coming.

To facilitate front-ends and regular users seeking for support, I suggest
that the first line of `tla --version` output (and `baz --version`) will
contain two words only: "<brand> <numerical-version>". Like "tla 1.4pre1"
or "baz 1.2". This line should not depend on the way tla is built.
The <numerical-version> is usually the closest to-be-released version.

[There was another suggestion in the past to accomplish the front-ends:
implement the "tla features" system. There are several problems with it,
mainly the need for a highly scrupulous maintainer. This "tla version"
suggestion is easy to implement and does not require such maintenance.]

Regards,
Mikhael.