[asdf-devel] force vs force-not

[Robert P. Goldman]

This has always been my impression, as well: force-not serves to block force, so should have precedence. I am pretty sure there is a launchpad ticket discussing this. I would be happy to get a patch in to that effect before our long-awaited release.

P.S. I have substantially expanded the number of nodes in the manual, improving the cross-referencing. Had a crisis at work, so couldn't quite finish this (I would like to do one more end-to-end edit), but then consider us good to go.

Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 4, 2014, at 1:18, Faré <fahree at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> As I am writing a parting article (for ELS 2014? ILC 2014?) on the
> what and wherefore of ASDF3, I tackled the question of force and
> force-not, and was reminded about that discussion whether I got it
> right or backward when I gave force precedence over force-not.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/asdf/+bug/1184002
> 
> Then I retold how force-not was implemented at the request of Erik
> Pearson, who wanted to be able to declare some systems as "builtin"
> and not to be reloaded; their code not expensively scanner for
> upgrades (or worse, for downgrades). Then it came to me: duh, of
> course force-not should take precedence over force. The use case is
> clear and clearly legitimate: extending the "base" system such that
> you can extend it, but not redefine the locked package; yet being able
> to force some or all of the rest of the system.
> 
> I don't see a clear cut case in the the opposite side. Maybe one of
> you can tell.
> 
> —♯ƒ • François-René ÐVB Rideau •Reflection&Cybernethics• http://fare.tunes.org
> The weak terrorist who predictably loses, causing death for those
> he claims to defend is infinitely more evil than the strong one who wins.
>