Re: (pkglint) OVERRIDE_GEMSPEC is modified using "+=", its name should indicate plural.

[Alistair Crooks <agc%pkgsrc.org@localhost>]

On Sat, May 11, 2013 at 11:35:34AM +0900, Makoto Fujiwara wrote:
> I have pkglint warning, for example at net/ruby-twitter
>  WARN: Makefile:12: As OVERRIDE_GEMSPEC is modified using "+=", its name 
> should indicate plural.
> 
> Which do you like ?
> (1) Ignore this message.
>
> (2) Rename OVERRIDE_GEMSPEC to OVERRIDE_GEMSPECS.
>     .. I consulted with dictionary getting plural of specification
>     is specifications ..
> (3) Change += to =   (But not to follow help as described:)
>    make help topic=OVERRIDE_GEMSPEC
> (4) Fix pkglint (but how ?)

(1) would be my preferred choice.

Personally, I really don't see the motivation for changing 586
packages from one definition to another, of deprecating that
definition over N pkgsrc releases, and getting anyone who has 3rd
party packages like in wip or private or work ones, just because
someone gets uptight over a missing 'S' in a name that is dubious at
best.

But I am obviously getting old.

To ask other questions about the pkglint warning:

1. Why should a name indicate plural just because a "+=" is used?

2. "SPEC" is an abbreviation. Is correct English usage to use an
'S' in abbreviations where plural. cf English "maths" vs US English
"math" usage

3. Even if I were to believe unquestioningly in the obvious benefits
of this, why do it now?

4.  What if the plural of a definition does not have a traditional -s
suffix? Can we link pkglint to spell/ispell/aspell without incurring
the licensing gods wrath?

Regards,
Alistair