autoupdate

[gnulib.git] / doc / standards.texi

diff --git a/doc/standards.texi b/doc/standards.texi
index 4cb5ed3..73885d6 100644 (file)
--- a/doc/standards.texi
+++ b/doc/standards.texi
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 @setfilename standards.info
 @settitle GNU Coding Standards
 @c This date is automagically updated when you save this file:
 @setfilename standards.info
 @settitle GNU Coding Standards
 @c This date is automagically updated when you save this file:

-@set lastupdate February 23, 2008
+@set lastupdate June 21, 2010

 @c %**end of header
 
 @dircategory GNU organization
 @c %**end of header
 
 @dircategory GNU organization


@@ -27,16 +27,15 @@
 The GNU coding standards, last updated @value{lastupdate}.
 
 Copyright @copyright{} 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999,
 The GNU coding standards, last updated @value{lastupdate}.
 
 Copyright @copyright{} 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999,

-2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Free Software
+2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Free Software

 Foundation, Inc.
 
 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
 Foundation, Inc.
 
 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document

-under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
-or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation;
-with no Invariant Sections, with no
-Front-Cover Texts, and with no Back-Cover Texts.
-A copy of the license is included in the section entitled ``GNU
-Free Documentation License''.
+under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
+any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no
+Invariant Sections, with no Front-Cover Texts, and with no Back-Cover
+Texts.  A copy of the license is included in the section entitled
+``GNU Free Documentation License''.

 @end copying
 
 @titlepage
 @end copying
 
 @titlepage


@@ -82,9 +81,6 @@ programs written in C, but many of the rules and principles are useful
 even if you write in another programming language.  The rules often
 state reasons for writing in a certain way.
 
 even if you write in another programming language.  The rules often
 state reasons for writing in a certain way.
 

-This release of the GNU Coding Standards was last updated
-@value{lastupdate}.
-

 @cindex where to obtain @code{standards.texi}
 @cindex downloading this manual
 If you did not obtain this file directly from the GNU project and
 @cindex where to obtain @code{standards.texi}
 @cindex downloading this manual
 If you did not obtain this file directly from the GNU project and


@@ -93,11 +89,29 @@ Coding Standards from the GNU web server in many
 different formats, including the Texinfo source, PDF, HTML, DVI, plain
 text, and more, at: @uref{http://www.gnu.org/prep/standards/}.
 
 different formats, including the Texinfo source, PDF, HTML, DVI, plain
 text, and more, at: @uref{http://www.gnu.org/prep/standards/}.
 

-Corrections or suggestions for this document should be sent to
-@email{bug-standards@@gnu.org}.  If you make a suggestion, please include a
-suggested new wording for it; our time is limited.  We prefer a context
-diff to the @file{standards.texi} or @file{make-stds.texi} files, but if
-you don't have those files, please mail your suggestion anyway.
+If you are maintaining an official GNU package, in addition to this
+document, please read and follow the GNU maintainer information
+(@pxref{Top, , Contents, maintain, Information for Maintainers of GNU
+Software}).
+
+@cindex @code{gnustandards-commit@@gnu.org} mailing list
+If you want to receive diffs for every change to these GNU documents,
+join the mailing list @code{gnustandards-commit@@gnu.org}, via the web
+interface at
+@url{http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/gnustandards-commit}.
+Archives are also available there.
+
+@cindex @code{bug-standards@@gnu.org} email address
+@cindex Savannah repository for gnustandards
+@cindex gnustandards project repository
+Please send corrections or suggestions for this document to
+@email{bug-standards@@gnu.org}.  If you make a suggestion, please
+include a suggested new wording for it, to help us consider the
+suggestion efficiently.  We prefer a context diff to the Texinfo
+source, but if that's difficult for you, you can make a context diff
+for some other version of this document, or propose it in any way that
+makes it clear.  The source repository for this document can be found
+at @url{http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/gnustandards}.

 
 These standards cover the minimum of what is important when writing a
 GNU package.  Likely, the need for additional standards will come up.
 
 These standards cover the minimum of what is important when writing a
 GNU package.  Likely, the need for additional standards will come up.


@@ -115,6 +129,10 @@ The GNU Hello program serves as an example of how to follow the GNU
 coding standards for a trivial program.
 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/hello/hello.html}.
 
 coding standards for a trivial program.
 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/hello/hello.html}.
 

+This release of the GNU Coding Standards was last updated
+@value{lastupdate}.
+
+

 @node Legal Issues
 @chapter Keeping Free Software Free
 @cindex legal aspects
 @node Legal Issues
 @chapter Keeping Free Software Free
 @cindex legal aspects


@@ -305,13 +323,17 @@ for a language that is higher level than C.  Often much of the program
 is written in that language, too.  The Emacs editor pioneered this
 technique.
 
 is written in that language, too.  The Emacs editor pioneered this
 technique.
 

-@cindex GUILE
-The standard extensibility interpreter for GNU software is GUILE
+@cindex Guile
+@cindex GNOME and Guile
+The standard extensibility interpreter for GNU software is Guile

 (@uref{http://www.gnu.org/@/software/@/guile/}), which implements the
 (@uref{http://www.gnu.org/@/software/@/guile/}), which implements the

-language Scheme (an especially clean and simple dialect of Lisp).  We
-don't reject programs written in other ``scripting languages'' such as
-Perl and Python, but using GUILE is very important for the overall
-consistency of the GNU system.
+language Scheme (an especially clean and simple dialect of Lisp).
+Guile also includes bindings for GTK+/GNOME, making it practical to
+write modern GUI functionality within Guile.  We don't reject programs
+written in other ``scripting languages'' such as Perl and Python, but
+using Guile is very important for the overall consistency of the GNU
+system.
+

 
 @node Compatibility
 @section Compatibility with Other Implementations
 
 @node Compatibility
 @section Compatibility with Other Implementations


@@ -493,7 +515,7 @@ and is not always appropriate, following this policy would have saved
 GCC developers many hours, or even days, per year.
 
 In the case of function-like macros like @code{REVERSIBLE_CC_MODE} in
 GCC developers many hours, or even days, per year.
 
 In the case of function-like macros like @code{REVERSIBLE_CC_MODE} in

-GCC which cannot be simply used in @code{if( ...)} statements, there is
+GCC which cannot be simply used in @code{if (...)} statements, there is

 an easy workaround.  Simply introduce another macro
 @code{HAS_REVERSIBLE_CC_MODE} as in the following example:
 
 an easy workaround.  Simply introduce another macro
 @code{HAS_REVERSIBLE_CC_MODE} as in the following example:
 


@@ -522,6 +544,7 @@ command line interface, and how libraries should behave.
 * Graphical Interfaces::        Standards for graphical interfaces.
 * Command-Line Interfaces::     Standards for command line interfaces.
 * Option Table::                Table of long options.
 * Graphical Interfaces::        Standards for graphical interfaces.
 * Command-Line Interfaces::     Standards for command line interfaces.
 * Option Table::                Table of long options.

+* OID Allocations::             Table of OID slots for GNU.

 * Memory Usage::                When and how to care about memory needs.
 * File Usage::                  Which files to use, and where.
 @end menu
 * Memory Usage::                When and how to care about memory needs.
 * File Usage::                  Which files to use, and where.
 @end menu


@@ -673,7 +696,7 @@ creating temporary files in world-writable directories.  In C, you can
 avoid this problem by creating temporary files in this manner:
 
 @example
 avoid this problem by creating temporary files in this manner:
 
 @example

-fd = open(filename, O_WRONLY | O_CREAT | O_EXCL, 0600);
+fd = open (filename, O_WRONLY | O_CREAT | O_EXCL, 0600);

 @end example
 
 @noindent
 @end example
 
 @noindent


@@ -832,25 +855,32 @@ multi-column format.
 @node Graphical Interfaces
 @section Standards for Graphical Interfaces
 @cindex graphical user interface
 @node Graphical Interfaces
 @section Standards for Graphical Interfaces
 @cindex graphical user interface

+@cindex interface styles
+@cindex user interface styles

 
 

-@cindex gtk+
+@cindex GTK+

 When you write a program that provides a graphical user interface,
 When you write a program that provides a graphical user interface,

-please make it work with X Windows and the GTK+ toolkit unless the
-functionality specifically requires some alternative (for example,
-``displaying jpeg images while in console mode'').
+please make it work with the X Window System and the GTK+ toolkit
+unless the functionality specifically requires some alternative (for
+example, ``displaying jpeg images while in console mode'').

 
 In addition, please provide a command-line interface to control the
 functionality.  (In many cases, the graphical user interface can be a
 separate program which invokes the command-line program.)  This is
 so that the same jobs can be done from scripts.
 
 
 In addition, please provide a command-line interface to control the
 functionality.  (In many cases, the graphical user interface can be a
 separate program which invokes the command-line program.)  This is
 so that the same jobs can be done from scripts.
 

-@cindex corba
-@cindex gnome
-Please also consider providing a CORBA interface (for use from GNOME), a
-library interface (for use from C), and perhaps a keyboard-driven
-console interface (for use by users from console mode).  Once you are
-doing the work to provide the functionality and the graphical interface,
-these won't be much extra work.
+@cindex CORBA
+@cindex GNOME
+@cindex D-bus
+@cindex keyboard interface
+@cindex library interface
+Please also consider providing a D-bus interface for use from other
+running programs, such as within GNOME.  (GNOME used to use CORBA
+for this, but that is being phased out.)  In addition, consider
+providing a library interface (for use from C), and perhaps a
+keyboard-driven console interface (for use by users from console
+mode).  Once you are doing the work to provide the functionality and
+the graphical interface, these won't be much extra work.

 
 
 @node Command-Line Interfaces
 
 
 @node Command-Line Interfaces


@@ -1018,10 +1048,7 @@ GNU General Public License, @url{http://www.gnu.org/@/licenses/@/gpl.html}.
 @item LGPL
 GNU Lesser General Public License, @url{http://www.gnu.org/@/licenses/@/lgpl.html}.
 
 @item LGPL
 GNU Lesser General Public License, @url{http://www.gnu.org/@/licenses/@/lgpl.html}.
 

-@item GPL/Guile
-GNU GPL with the exception for Guile; for example, GPLv3+/Guile means
-the GNU GPL version 3 or later, with the extra exception for Guile.
-
+@item GPL/Ada

 GNU GPL with the exception for Ada.
 
 @item Apache
 GNU GPL with the exception for Ada.
 
 @item Apache


@@ -1052,12 +1079,12 @@ The non-license that is being in the public domain,
 The license for Python, @url{http://www.python.org/@/2.0.1/@/license.html}.
 
 @item RBSD
 The license for Python, @url{http://www.python.org/@/2.0.1/@/license.html}.
 
 @item RBSD

-The revised (3-clause) BSD, compatible with the GNU GPL,
+The revised (3-clause) BSD, compatible with the GNU GPL,@*

 @url{http://www.xfree86.org/@/3.3.6/@/COPYRIGHT2.html#5}.
 
 @item X11
 The simple non-copyleft license used for most versions of the X Window
 @url{http://www.xfree86.org/@/3.3.6/@/COPYRIGHT2.html#5}.
 
 @item X11
 The simple non-copyleft license used for most versions of the X Window

-system, @url{http://www.xfree86.org/@/3.3.6/@/COPYRIGHT2.html#3}.
+System, @url{http://www.xfree86.org/@/3.3.6/@/COPYRIGHT2.html#3}.

 
 @item Zlib
 The license for Zlib, @url{http://www.gzip.org/@/zlib/@/zlib_license.html}.
 
 @item Zlib
 The license for Zlib, @url{http://www.gzip.org/@/zlib/@/zlib_license.html}.


@@ -1081,13 +1108,19 @@ is seen, and the program should not perform its normal function.
 
 @cindex address for bug reports
 @cindex bug reports
 
 @cindex address for bug reports
 @cindex bug reports

-Near the end of the @samp{--help} option's output there should be a line
-that says where to mail bug reports.  It should have this format:
+Near the end of the @samp{--help} option's output, please place lines
+giving the email address for bug reports, the package's home page
+(normally @indicateurl{http://www.gnu.org/software/@var{pkg}}, and the
+general page for help using GNU programs.  The format should be like this:

 
 @example
 
 @example

-Report bugs to @var{mailing-address}.
+Report bugs to: @var{mailing-address}
+@var{pkg} home page: <http://www.gnu.org/software/@var{pkg}/>
+General help using GNU software: <http://www.gnu.org/gethelp/>

 @end example
 
 @end example
 

+It is ok to mention other appropriate mailing lists and web pages.
+

 
 @node Option Table
 @section Table of Long Options
 
 @node Option Table
 @section Table of Long Options


@@ -1140,10 +1173,10 @@ and @code{unexpand}.
 @samp{-v} in @code{gawk}.
 
 @item assume-new
 @samp{-v} in @code{gawk}.
 
 @item assume-new

-@samp{-W} in Make.
+@samp{-W} in @code{make}.

 
 @item assume-old
 
 @item assume-old

-@samp{-o} in Make.
+@samp{-o} in @code{make}.

 
 @item auto-check
 @samp{-a} in @code{recode}.
 
 @item auto-check
 @samp{-a} in @code{recode}.


@@ -1265,7 +1298,7 @@ Used in @code{tar} and @code{cpio}.
 @samp{-d} in @code{touch}.
 
 @item debug
 @samp{-d} in @code{touch}.
 
 @item debug

-@samp{-d} in Make and @code{m4};
+@samp{-d} in @code{make} and @code{m4};

 @samp{-t} in Bison.
 
 @item define
 @samp{-t} in Bison.
 
 @item define


@@ -1312,7 +1345,7 @@ specially.
 @samp{-X} in @code{strip}.
 
 @item dry-run
 @samp{-X} in @code{strip}.
 
 @item dry-run

-@samp{-n} in Make.
+@samp{-n} in @code{make}.

 
 @item ed
 @samp{-e} in @code{diff}.
 
 @item ed
 @samp{-e} in @code{diff}.


@@ -1330,7 +1363,7 @@ specially.
 @samp{-N} in @code{diff}.
 
 @item environment-overrides
 @samp{-N} in @code{diff}.
 
 @item environment-overrides

-@samp{-e} in Make.
+@samp{-e} in @code{make}.

 
 @item eof
 @samp{-e} in @code{xargs}.
 
 @item eof
 @samp{-e} in @code{xargs}.


@@ -1382,9 +1415,8 @@ Used in GDB.
 @samp{-E} in @code{m4}.
 
 @item file
 @samp{-E} in @code{m4}.
 
 @item file

-@samp{-f} in @code{info}, @code{gawk}, Make, @code{mt}, and @code{tar};
-@samp{-n} in @code{sed};
-@samp{-r} in @code{touch}.
+@samp{-f} in @code{gawk}, @code{info}, @code{make}, @code{mt},
+@code{sed}, and @code{tar}.

 
 @item field-separator
 @samp{-F} in @code{gawk}.
 
 @item field-separator
 @samp{-F} in @code{gawk}.


@@ -1496,7 +1528,7 @@ In @code{makeinfo}, output HTML.
 @samp{-i} in @code{diff} and @code{wdiff}.
 
 @item ignore-errors
 @samp{-i} in @code{diff} and @code{wdiff}.
 
 @item ignore-errors

-@samp{-i} in Make.
+@samp{-i} in @code{make}.

 
 @item ignore-file
 @samp{-i} in @code{ptx}.
 
 @item ignore-file
 @samp{-i} in @code{ptx}.


@@ -1524,7 +1556,7 @@ In @code{makeinfo}, output HTML.
 @samp{-I} in @code{m4}.
 
 @item include-dir
 @samp{-I} in @code{m4}.
 
 @item include-dir

-@samp{-I} in Make.
+@samp{-I} in @code{make}.

 
 @item incremental
 @samp{-G} in @code{tar}.
 
 @item incremental
 @samp{-G} in @code{tar}.


@@ -1558,13 +1590,13 @@ init file.
 Used in @code{date}
 
 @item jobs
 Used in @code{date}
 
 @item jobs

-@samp{-j} in Make.
+@samp{-j} in @code{make}.

 
 @item just-print
 
 @item just-print

-@samp{-n} in Make.
+@samp{-n} in @code{make}.

 
 @item keep-going
 
 @item keep-going

-@samp{-k} in Make.
+@samp{-k} in @code{make}.

 
 @item keep-files
 @samp{-k} in @code{csplit}.
 
 @item keep-files
 @samp{-k} in @code{csplit}.


@@ -1605,7 +1637,7 @@ Used in @code{gawk}.
 @samp{-N} in @code{ls}.
 
 @item load-average
 @samp{-N} in @code{ls}.
 
 @item load-average

-@samp{-l} in Make.
+@samp{-l} in @code{make}.

 
 @item login
 Used in @code{su}.
 
 @item login
 Used in @code{su}.


@@ -1623,7 +1655,7 @@ Used in @code{uname}.
 @samp{-d} in @code{cpio}.
 
 @item makefile
 @samp{-d} in @code{cpio}.
 
 @item makefile

-@samp{-f} in Make.
+@samp{-f} in @code{make}.

 
 @item mapped
 Used in GDB.
 
 @item mapped
 Used in GDB.


@@ -1638,7 +1670,7 @@ Used in GDB.
 @samp{-l} in @code{xargs}.
 
 @item max-load
 @samp{-l} in @code{xargs}.
 
 @item max-load

-@samp{-l} in Make.
+@samp{-l} in @code{make}.

 
 @item max-procs
 @samp{-P} in @code{xargs}.
 
 @item max-procs
 @samp{-P} in @code{xargs}.


@@ -1674,10 +1706,10 @@ Used in GDB.
 @samp{-a} in @code{shar}.
 
 @item new-file
 @samp{-a} in @code{shar}.
 
 @item new-file

-@samp{-W} in Make.
+@samp{-W} in @code{make}.

 
 @item no-builtin-rules
 
 @item no-builtin-rules

-@samp{-r} in Make.
+@samp{-r} in @code{make}.

 
 @item no-character-count
 @samp{-w} in @code{shar}.
 
 @item no-character-count
 @samp{-w} in @code{shar}.


@@ -1704,7 +1736,7 @@ Used in GDB.
 @samp{-2} in @code{wdiff}.
 
 @item no-keep-going
 @samp{-2} in @code{wdiff}.
 
 @item no-keep-going

-@samp{-S} in Make.
+@samp{-S} in @code{make}.

 
 @item no-lines
 @samp{-l} in Bison.
 
 @item no-lines
 @samp{-l} in Bison.


@@ -1779,7 +1811,7 @@ Used in GDB.
 @samp{-o} in @code{tar}.
 
 @item old-file
 @samp{-o} in @code{tar}.
 
 @item old-file

-@samp{-o} in Make.
+@samp{-o} in @code{make}.

 
 @item one-file-system
 @samp{-l} in @code{tar}, @code{cp}, and @code{du}.
 
 @item one-file-system
 @samp{-l} in @code{tar}, @code{cp}, and @code{du}.


@@ -1864,10 +1896,10 @@ Used in @code{tar} and @code{cp}.
 @samp{-L} in @code{cmp}.
 
 @item print-data-base
 @samp{-L} in @code{cmp}.
 
 @item print-data-base

-@samp{-p} in Make.
+@samp{-p} in @code{make}.

 
 @item print-directory
 
 @item print-directory

-@samp{-w} in Make.
+@samp{-w} in @code{make}.

 
 @item print-file-name
 @samp{-o} in @code{nm}.
 
 @item print-file-name
 @samp{-o} in @code{nm}.


@@ -1888,7 +1920,7 @@ Specify an HTTP proxy.
 @samp{-X} in @code{shar}.
 
 @item question
 @samp{-X} in @code{shar}.
 
 @item question

-@samp{-q} in Make.
+@samp{-q} in @code{make}.

 
 @item quiet
 Used in many programs to inhibit the usual output.  Every
 
 @item quiet
 Used in many programs to inhibit the usual output.  Every


@@ -1914,7 +1946,7 @@ Used in @code{gawk}.
 Used in GDB.
 
 @item recon
 Used in GDB.
 
 @item recon

-@samp{-n} in Make.
+@samp{-n} in @code{make}.

 
 @item record-number
 @samp{-R} in @code{tar}.
 
 @item record-number
 @samp{-R} in @code{tar}.


@@ -1923,8 +1955,8 @@ Used in GDB.
 Used in @code{chgrp}, @code{chown}, @code{cp}, @code{ls}, @code{diff},
 and @code{rm}.
 
 Used in @code{chgrp}, @code{chown}, @code{cp}, @code{ls}, @code{diff},
 and @code{rm}.
 

-@item reference-limit
-Used in @code{makeinfo}.
+@item reference
+@samp{-r} in @code{touch}.

 
 @item references
 @samp{-r} in @code{ptx}.
 
 @item references
 @samp{-r} in @code{ptx}.


@@ -2056,7 +2088,7 @@ a directory to start processing with.
 @samp{-S} in @code{shar}.
 
 @item stop
 @samp{-S} in @code{shar}.
 
 @item stop

-@samp{-S} in Make.
+@samp{-S} in @code{make}.

 
 @item strict
 @samp{-s} in @code{recode}.
 
 @item strict
 @samp{-s} in @code{recode}.


@@ -2126,7 +2158,7 @@ Specify how long to wait before giving up on some operation.
 @samp{-c} in @code{du}.
 
 @item touch
 @samp{-c} in @code{du}.
 
 @item touch

-@samp{-t} in Make, @code{ranlib}, and @code{recode}.
+@samp{-t} in @code{make}, @code{ranlib}, and @code{recode}.

 
 @item trace
 @samp{-t} in @code{m4}.
 
 @item trace
 @samp{-t} in @code{m4}.


@@ -2191,7 +2223,7 @@ Print the version number.
 @samp{-V} in @code{tar}.
 
 @item what-if
 @samp{-V} in @code{tar}.
 
 @item what-if

-@samp{-W} in Make.
+@samp{-W} in @code{make}.

 
 @item whole-size-limit
 @samp{-l} in @code{shar}.
 
 @item whole-size-limit
 @samp{-l} in @code{shar}.


@@ -2209,6 +2241,28 @@ Print the version number.
 @samp{-z} in @code{gprof}.
 @end table
 
 @samp{-z} in @code{gprof}.
 @end table
 

+@node OID Allocations
+@section OID Allocations
+@cindex OID allocations for GNU
+@cindex SNMP
+@cindex LDAP
+@cindex X.509
+
+The OID (object identifier) 1.3.6.1.4.1.11591 has been assigned to the
+GNU Project (thanks to Werner Koch).  These are used for SNMP, LDAP,
+X.509 certificates, and so on.  The web site
+@url{http://www.alvestrand.no/objectid} has a (voluntary) listing of
+many OID assignments.
+
+If you need a new slot for your GNU package, write
+@email{maintainers@@gnu.org}.  Here is a list of arcs currently
+assigned:
+
+@example
+@include gnu-oids.texi
+@end example
+
+

 @node Memory Usage
 @section Memory Usage
 @cindex memory usage
 @node Memory Usage
 @section Memory Usage
 @cindex memory usage


@@ -3486,7 +3540,7 @@ clear explanation of how the earlier version differed.
 
 The change log file is normally called @file{ChangeLog} and covers an
 entire directory.  Each directory can have its own change log, or a
 
 The change log file is normally called @file{ChangeLog} and covers an
 entire directory.  Each directory can have its own change log, or a

-directory can use the change log of its parent directory--it's up to
+directory can use the change log of its parent directory---it's up to

 you.
 
 Another alternative is to record change log information with a version
 you.
 
 Another alternative is to record change log information with a version


@@ -3494,22 +3548,21 @@ control system such as RCS or CVS.  This can be converted automatically
 to a @file{ChangeLog} file using @code{rcs2log}; in Emacs, the command
 @kbd{C-x v a} (@code{vc-update-change-log}) does the job.
 
 to a @file{ChangeLog} file using @code{rcs2log}; in Emacs, the command
 @kbd{C-x v a} (@code{vc-update-change-log}) does the job.
 

-There's no need to describe the full purpose of the changes or how they
-work together.  If you think that a change calls for explanation, you're
-probably right.  Please do explain it---but please put the explanation
-in comments in the code, where people will see it whenever they see the
-code.  For example, ``New function'' is enough for the change log when
-you add a function, because there should be a comment before the
-function definition to explain what it does.
+There's no need to describe the full purpose of the changes or how
+they work together.  However, sometimes it is useful to write one line
+to describe the overall purpose of a change or a batch of changes.  If
+you think that a change calls for explanation, you're probably right.
+Please do explain it---but please put the full explanation in comments
+in the code, where people will see it whenever they see the code.  For
+example, ``New function'' is enough for the change log when you add a
+function, because there should be a comment before the function
+definition to explain what it does.

 
 In the past, we recommended not mentioning changes in non-software
 files (manuals, help files, etc.) in change logs.  However, we've been
 advised that it is a good idea to include them, for the sake of
 copyright records.
 
 
 In the past, we recommended not mentioning changes in non-software
 files (manuals, help files, etc.) in change logs.  However, we've been
 advised that it is a good idea to include them, for the sake of
 copyright records.
 

-However, sometimes it is useful to write one line to describe the
-overall purpose of a batch of changes.
-

 The easiest way to add an entry to @file{ChangeLog} is with the Emacs
 command @kbd{M-x add-change-log-entry}.  An entry should have an
 asterisk, the name of the changed file, and then in parentheses the name
 The easiest way to add an entry to @file{ChangeLog} is with the Emacs
 command @kbd{M-x add-change-log-entry}.  An entry should have an
 asterisk, the name of the changed file, and then in parentheses the name


@@ -3710,15 +3763,10 @@ page explaining that you don't maintain it and that the Texinfo manual
 is more authoritative.  The note should say how to access the Texinfo
 documentation.
 
 is more authoritative.  The note should say how to access the Texinfo
 documentation.
 

-Be sure that man pages include a copyright statement and free
-license.  The simple all-permissive license is appropriate for simple
-man pages:
-
-@example
-Copying and distribution of this file, with or without modification,
-are permitted in any medium without royalty provided the copyright
-notice and this notice are preserved.
-@end example
+Be sure that man pages include a copyright statement and free license.
+The simple all-permissive license is appropriate for simple man pages
+(@pxref{License Notices for Other Files,,,maintain,Information for GNU
+Maintainers}).

 
 For long man pages, with enough explanation and documentation that
 they can be considered true manuals, use the GFDL (@pxref{License for
 
 For long man pages, with enough explanation and documentation that
 they can be considered true manuals, use the GFDL (@pxref{License for


@@ -3770,15 +3818,23 @@ all GNU software.
 Each GNU distribution should come with a shell script named
 @code{configure}.  This script is given arguments which describe the
 kind of machine and system you want to compile the program for.
 Each GNU distribution should come with a shell script named
 @code{configure}.  This script is given arguments which describe the
 kind of machine and system you want to compile the program for.

-

 The @code{configure} script must record the configuration options so
 that they affect compilation.
 
 The @code{configure} script must record the configuration options so
 that they affect compilation.
 

-One way to do this is to make a link from a standard name such as
-@file{config.h} to the proper configuration file for the chosen system.
-If you use this technique, the distribution should @emph{not} contain a
-file named @file{config.h}.  This is so that people won't be able to
-build the program without configuring it first.
+The description here is the specification of the interface for the
+@code{configure} script in GNU packages.  Many packages implement it
+using GNU Autoconf (@pxref{Top,, Introduction, autoconf, Autoconf})
+and/or GNU Automake (@pxref{Top,, Introduction, automake, Automake}),
+but you do not have to use these tools.  You can implement it any way
+you like; for instance, by making @code{configure} be a wrapper around
+a completely different configuration system.
+
+Another way for the @code{configure} script to operate is to make a
+link from a standard name such as @file{config.h} to the proper
+configuration file for the chosen system.  If you use this technique,
+the distribution should @emph{not} contain a file named
+@file{config.h}.  This is so that people won't be able to build the
+program without configuring it first.

 
 Another thing that @code{configure} can do is to edit the Makefile.  If
 you do this, the distribution should @emph{not} contain a file named
 
 Another thing that @code{configure} can do is to edit the Makefile.  If
 you do this, the distribution should @emph{not} contain a file named


@@ -3913,7 +3969,7 @@ is preferable to setting them in environment variables:
 CC=gcc ./configure
 @end example
 as it helps to recreate the same configuration later with
 CC=gcc ./configure
 @end example
 as it helps to recreate the same configuration later with

-@file{config.status}.
+@file{config.status}.  However, both methods should be supported.

 @end table
 
 All @code{configure} scripts should accept all of the ``detail''
 @end table
 
 All @code{configure} scripts should accept all of the ``detail''


@@ -4001,7 +4057,7 @@ should contain an explanation of the installation procedure.
 The @file{README} file should also refer to the file which contains the
 copying conditions.  The GNU GPL, if used, should be in a file called
 @file{COPYING}.  If the GNU LGPL is used, it should be in a file called
 The @file{README} file should also refer to the file which contains the
 copying conditions.  The GNU GPL, if used, should be in a file called
 @file{COPYING}.  If the GNU LGPL is used, it should be in a file called

-@file{COPYING.LIB}.
+@file{COPYING.LESSER}.

 
 Naturally, all the source files must be in the distribution.  It is okay
 to include non-source files in the distribution, provided they are
 
 Naturally, all the source files must be in the distribution.  It is okay
 to include non-source files in the distribution, provided they are


@@ -4016,13 +4072,13 @@ installing the program should @strong{never} be included in the
 distribution.  So if you do distribute non-source files, always make
 sure they are up to date when you make a new distribution.
 
 distribution.  So if you do distribute non-source files, always make
 sure they are up to date when you make a new distribution.
 

-Make sure that the directory into which the distribution unpacks (as
-well as any subdirectories) are all world-writable (octal mode 777).
-This is so that old versions of @code{tar} which preserve the
-ownership and permissions of the files from the tar archive will be
-able to extract all the files even if the user is unprivileged.
-
-Make sure that all the files in the distribution are world-readable.
+Make sure that all the files in the distribution are world-readable, and
+that directories are world-readable and world-searchable (octal mode 755).
+We used to recommend that all directories in the distribution also be
+world-writable (octal mode 777), because ancient versions of @code{tar}
+would otherwise not cope when extracting the archive as an unprivileged
+user.  That can easily lead to security issues when creating the archive,
+however, so now we recommend against that.

 
 Don't include any symbolic links in the distribution itself.  If the tar
 file contains symbolic links, then people cannot even unpack it on
 
 Don't include any symbolic links in the distribution itself.  If the tar
 file contains symbolic links, then people cannot even unpack it on


@@ -4135,7 +4191,7 @@ documentation.
 By contrast, it is ok to refer to journal articles and textbooks in
 the comments of a program for explanation of how it functions, even
 though they are non-free.  This is because we don't include such
 By contrast, it is ok to refer to journal articles and textbooks in
 the comments of a program for explanation of how it functions, even
 though they are non-free.  This is because we don't include such

-things in the GNU system even they are free---they are outside the
+things in the GNU system even if they are free---they are outside the

 scope of what a software distribution needs to include.
 
 Referring to a web site that describes or recommends a non-free
 scope of what a software distribution needs to include.
 
 Referring to a web site that describes or recommends a non-free


@@ -4175,5 +4231,5 @@ eval: (add-hook 'write-file-hooks 'time-stamp)
 time-stamp-start: "@set lastupdate "
 time-stamp-end: "$"
 time-stamp-format: "%:b %:d, %:y"
 time-stamp-start: "@set lastupdate "
 time-stamp-end: "$"
 time-stamp-format: "%:b %:d, %:y"

-compile-command: "make just-standards"
+compile-command: "cd work.s && make"

 End:
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