Re: [p2-dev] Version Type Proposal

[Thomas Hallgren <thomas@xxxxxxx>]

Henrik Lindberg wrote:
> It is expected that IUs are published with a known type (i.e. not 
> "any") as the publisher of an IU should have the knowledge to select 
> the appropriate version. In the unlikely case that the publisher is 
> not capable of correctly describing the version syntax/semantics, it 
> is still possible for the publisher to use "any". To specify "any" for 
> the IU is saying "you can interpret this version string any way you 
> like".
I would go so far as saying that 'any' is not permitted as a version 
type. It can only be used in a query (i.e. a range).

I'm concerned that if we allow versions to be declared 'any', then we'll 
end up moving the responsibility of interpreting the versions to the 
consumer (the one writing the ranges) rather then enforcing its 
specification. The consumer will not know so in a majority of cases the 
real comparison will be any == any (i.e. a one segment string compare).

The publisher must decide on version semantics. If string comparison is 
indeed intended, then raw(%s) should be used. If it's not, then the 
publisher must have something in mind and that intention should be 
clearly stated.

Regards,
Thomas Hallgren