[platform-update-dev] Uninstalling features - pros and cons

[dejan@xxxxxxxxxx]

Hello,

During the 2.0 lockdown cycle, the Update team temporary removed the
capability to uninstall previously installed features due to serous
connotations this function has. Most of the concerns were raised from teams
that use native OS installers to lay down the initial product structure.
Naturally, they didn't want Eclipse to remove anything installed that way.

We would like to re-expose this capability and are seeking input.
Specifically, we think that the user's ability to remove unused features in
order to prevent hard disk bloat is very important. For people that
originally install features using Update Manager, it is natural to also
disable, then uninstall them in Update Manager as well. Even for people
that initially install a product using native installers, multiple (stale)
feature versions can accumulate after several incremental updates. If a
user upgraded to version 4.0.4 of the product, he may desire to get rid of
4.03, 4.0.2 and 4.0.1 versions (they were installed using Update's
'one-click update' wizard anyway).

Before replying to this posting, please note that 'Uninstall' button will
normally appear for features that are disabled (only disabled features can
be uninstalled - currently active features must be disabled first).
Uninstalling features will remove feature information itself, as well as
all the referenced plug-ins with the zero reference count (i.e. not
referenced by any other feature). This guarantees that no other feature is
invalidated this way.

Just about the only consequence of uninstalling a feature is that it is not
possible to revert to it when it is gone (clearly :-). For this reason,
users will normally keep the previous version (or the last stable version)
and delete the older ones.

To repeat, the feedback-seeking question is: one we re-enable 'Uninstall'
function, what are the special cases that would preclude a feature to be
uninstalled?

Regards,

Dejan Glozic, Ph.D.
Application Development
D2/MY7/8200/MKM
IBM Canada Ltd.
Tel. 905 413-2745  T/L 969-2745
Fax. 905 413-4854