Forcing a variant to a variant

[Ryan Schmidt]

On Jun 4, 2009, at 18:33, Bradley Giesbrecht wrote:

> There is:
> /opt/local/etc/macports/variants.conf
>
> where you could put:
> +server
>
> and I believe you will get the +server add to all ports that port  
> builds, no?

Yes. But I see no reason why a user who wants a server of port A  
should be automatically assumed to want a server of ports B through Z  
as well.


> I mentioned recently gentoo's package.mask for masking packages or  
> packages above a version. Personally I'd like something like that  
> in ports.
>
> Wouldn't it be useful and simple to add the capability to /opt/ 
> local/macports/variants.conf to specify a port:variant combo?
> clamav+server
> mysql+server
>
> or
> port:clamav +server
>
> or
> clamav mysql5 +server
> guncash +nox11

I'm not familiar with the gentoo package.mask feature. But for this  
case, in MacPorts, I see no benefit to what you suggest.

You're suggesting that a user who wants to have clamav with the  
+server variant should add a line like "clamav+server" to  
variants.conf (and enhance MacPorts base to be able to handle that  
line).

Isn't it much simpler (and already supported by MacPorts today) for  
that user to simply run "sudo port install clamav +server"?