[SATLUG] Linux pkg dependency... what is it actually

[Eli Cantu]

On Sun, February 18, 2007 9:24 am, Emon said:
> Hi again everyone :-)
>
> A friend of mine asked me why Linux distros have dependency issues but
> M$-Windows doesn't??
>
> I was pretty dumb-struck by the question cos I never actually gave it
> much thought.... so can any one please help me out
>

linux development cycle is different. lots of little bits are
incrementally updated more frequently.

linux software relies less on statically compiled in libraries.

linux dependencies hit the newbies hard.  add a couple of years of
experience and apt-get/yum and pretty much dependencies are like
breathing, yes it's important, but no you don't spend much time thinking
about it. I know I don't.

windows depencies are like this:

step 1  take 3 year old computer and try and run 8 year old software, it
fails

step 2  update to latest windows and latest service pack and latest
antivirus, and latest directx and latest video drivers, research some
hacks to make your 8 year old software run on this.

step 3  hooray, your software runs, but it runs slower then dirt.

step 4  you get rootkitted.  techs cost too much.

step 5  order new dell. cheaper then a tech, and comes with vista. hooray!

step 6  try and run 8 year old program on vista. it completely fails. you
force install directx5 from your 8 year old program's install cd in
desperation to satisfy dependencie, your computer doesn't boot.

step 7 call expensive technician to come and reload vista for you.