From: Chad Fowler <chadfowler@...>
Date: 2004-09-29T04:24:45+09:00
Subject: Re: setup.rb and/or gem assist

On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 02:56:29 +0900, Mauricio Fern�ndez
<batsman.geo@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > 2. Same question for data files and such. Where to put them, how to
> >    reference them?
> 
> There's a problem with RubyGems + datafiles;

"problem" is an overstatement, butyou're generally right.  It's
obviously possible, but it requires RubyGems-specific code.  A
standard ruby library that is gems-aware, as you suggest would be a
way to abstract it.  The second option seems like a recipe for
disaster.

> see http://blade.nagaokaut.ac.jp/cgi-bin/scat.rb/ruby/ruby-talk/110665
> and http://blade.nagaokaut.ac.jp/cgi-bin/scat.rb/ruby/ruby-talk/110679
> 
> Data files are normally found under
>  File.join(::Config::CONFIG["datadir"], "share")
> but this won't work with RubyGems so you would have to modify your program.
> 
> > 3. Suppose I have a file of marshalled data and want to run a little
> >    utility program to load it into a .db -- how/when should I do this?
> 
> A mechanism to run post-installation scripts is being discussed in
> RubyGems' ML. It seems unlikely to be implemented, though, since the
> majority seems to be against it.
> 

I'd say it _is_ likely, actually.  RubyConf will be a great time for
us to discuss some of the ongoing questions and reach resolutions.

It's also a great time for attendees to contribute ideas, opinions,
CODE, etc. :)  Looking forward to making some big RubyGems progress as
a result of its first conference-year birthday.

> > Any assistance appreciated.
> 
> Just give me a link to the tgz :-)
> 

If not before the conference, catch me when you get there.  We'll
package your app together.

There's also a chapter in the Pickaxe II that will help (available
online as a PDF preview).

Chad