[MacPorts] #61007: Lua @ 5.4.0 Update - Need help on defining what counts as Subport vs Port (standalone)

[MacPorts]

#61007: Lua @ 5.4.0 Update - Need help on defining what counts as Subport vs Port
(standalone)
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 Reporter:  pekdemira  |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  update     |     Status:  new
 Priority:  Normal     |  Milestone:
Component:  ports      |    Version:  2.6.3
 Keywords:             |       Port:  Lua
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 Updated the Lua port to 5.4.0 and about create a PR after a successful
 build. However, I have other questions since I noticed subports in the
 Portfile vs existing ports in the tree for older versions.

 This port is getting updated from 5.3.x to 5.4.x. There was a subport
 defined in the Portfile for 5.2.x with a note saying "add versions 5.1 as
 subports". Then we have lua50, lua51, lua52 as dedicated ports.

 I am basically trying to get a clarification on what counts as a subport
 and what counts as a standalone port given the versions of a piece of
 software. How do we determine when to use subport and when to create a new
 port for a new version.

 For example nodejs doesn't have subports and have dedicated ports in tree
 as: nodejs13, nodejs12, etc. I feel like Lua would follow the same
 pattern. Is there a defined strategy? Any pointers would be great, I can
 try tidying up the port accordingly.

 I looked for documentation for subports but couldn't find any. There were
 couple tickets asking the same question. I can go ahead and try updating
 the guide trying to put together definitions as well.

 Thank you,

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Ticket URL: <https://trac.macports.org/ticket/61007>
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