packaging aesthetics

[Paul Kienzle]

I find I'm bothered by the packaging directory structure since it 
doesn't feel natural to me.

I would prefer a system which captures the 90%+ case easily, which is a 
set of m-files with a few decorations to tell the packaging system what 
the package contains.  In Debian, the package information is in 
subdirectory, which allows it to be easily added to an existing 
package.  This makes it particularly easy for those with existing 
Matlab packages to add support for Octave, assuming various other 
compatibilities are not a concern. It also allows the packaging to be 
done by someone other than the developer.  Keeping the compiled 
wrappers, supporting libraries, documentation and so on are separated 
from the rest would probably be best, but the impact of these is small 
so it doesn't matter much either way.

Of course since I'm not offering up any patches this message should be 
given the weight it deserves 8-)

        - Paul