[ntp:hackers] BitKeeper (was: public server listing)

mayer at gis.net mayer at gis.net
Tue Nov 9 10:36:16 PST 2004


----- Original Message Follows -----
> Harlan Stenn wrote on 2004-11-08 21:12:
> >Your definition of "non-free" is different from mine.
> 
> What I DO mind is my having to pay money for a product to 
> maintain/contribute source for an open source project.  That sets a 
> precedent that I really don't like to see.  My understanding is that I
> would have to purchase a copy in order to contribute to the NTP 
> project.  If that is incorrect, please let me know.
> 
There is no cost involved. You just download and install it. We wouldn't
be using it otherwise.

> Another thing that REALLY pisses me off about BitKeeper, is that there
> is  apparently NO way to find out the cost of a license without
> requesting a  quote.  I strenuously object to that kind of
> marketing/sales (not to  mention the invasion of privacy), and THAT is
> more important to me than the  NTP project.
> 
You only need to buy the license if it's for private use. Otherwise it
sends update information to bkbits. NTP is one of their hosted projects
and for open source has the advantage of allowing you to view project/
file changes through webpages on their webserver.

> Paul Vixie is right;  those doing most of the work should decide the 
> tools.  I'm clearly not one of those, so in that sense, BitKeeper may
> be  the correct decision.  I'm just saying why I won't get involved.
> 
> It's sad that there aren't acceptable open source choices out there.
> 

While I don't personally like bitkeeper, I can tell you it's better
than others, like Microsoft's Visual SourceSafe and Rational's
ClearCase. My understanding is that Harlan chose BitKeeper because
it makes it easier for him to manage the repository and get releases
out. It's also free so cost is not an issue. There are plenty of
open-source choices. Each has their advantages and disadvantages and
everyone has their personal likes and dislikes. As long as I don't
have to pay for it it doesn't matter too much to me which tool I use.

Paul is used to CVS and uses it for all of ISC's projects so it makes
sense for him to want to use one tool for the same job. He would not,
I am sure, hesitate to switch to something else if that tool was clearly
superior. Since money is not involved it all comes down to ease-of-use
and personal preference.

Danny




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