[haiku-development] Re: mkfs utility for haiku

  • From: Stephan Assmus <superstippi@xxxxxx>
  • To: haiku-development@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 14:26:21 +0200

Marco Minutoli wrote:
> On Wed, 07 May 2008 12:32:57 +0200
> Gabriele Biffi <mlist@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> > 
> > Uh, if we want to be truly KISS, a generic mkfs is too complex :)
> > 
> > There's already mkbfs, mkiso, etc. what's the need for a generic tool? 
> > To make user's life simple. A quick wipe is a simple work and adds that 
> > little security that's always welcome.
> 
> As far as I know there isn't a working mkbfs already and that's why we 
> are here talking about mkfs :). I, as a user, expect that a CLT does just 
> one thing(initialize a volume in this case no matter of the kind of 
> volume). Now the point is: is wiping data part of the initialization 
> process from a user point of view?
> 
> I think no but that's only my cent. I will follow the decision of the 
> majority.

I also think no. But I understand Gabriele looks at this from a point of 
"protecting the user from him- or herself". A simple warning message could 
do. In any case, it shouldn't write zeros by default, since that could be 
unwanted in many situations. For example, I still remember how much I hated 
installing Windows before it learned to quick-format partitions during 
install.

> > > and this could take a
> > > *very* long time with big disks. So make it as default behavior I
> > > don't think is what an average user want.
> > 
> > They won't like it as long as they don't know why it is better, trust 
> > me :-) I did a little test with a friend...
> > 
> > The help of the tool could explain this.
> 
> Maybe a man page is more appropriate for this. I think the help should 
> only contain a brief description of the options.

Yes. Make sure that the tool automatically displays it's help screen if it 
detects improper usage.

Best regards,
-Stephan

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