[MiNT] MiNTLib / Kernel Future and also SpareMiNT.....

[Keith Scroggins <kws@radix.net>]

Hi All,

Well, not sure where to go with this conversation, but we need to start 
it.

First being, we need a person, or a group of people, to steer MiNTLib and 
the Kernel.  Mainly, I think, these people need to decide when it is time 
to do a release, maybe a little project planning, but I do not believe we 
need too much.  I think this needs to more or less be a decision by the 
group.

It seems to me that it was more or less decided we should release MiNTLib 
at 0.59, should this be done now, or with a past build?  I know I agree 
with this since some of the modern tools (gmp/mpfr/mpc/gcc) need support 
from functionality added and fixed in the CVS/developmental branch of the 
MiNTLib.

I would propose that we do a release now, and then plan the 0.60 version 
of MiNTLib to be released around the time of the Firebee release 
(possibly) in case things need to be fixed or added for Coldfire.

As for the kernel, I can not speak to it's status for release.  I would 
recommend a road map or maybe a list of goals to prepare it for release, 
mainly bug squishing, and then expand that list to include what features, 
additions, etc, would go into the next revision.

Now, the other question is Sparemint.  Where should it head?  Are people 
still willing to build RPMs and support the software, and do people still 
want the software supported?

The other issue with Sparemint (well RPM), at least in my opinion, is 
architecture support.  By default, unless currently noted, RPMs are built 
for a 68000 target.  Should that remain the same, or should this expand so 
that packages are also target at 68020-60 and then later at the Coldfire? 
If so, how?

I have my own ideas / thoughts for this, but not much point in executing 
it if it would be of no use.

Remember, Alan is also working on a Gentoo MiNT distribution.  I just want 
to basically see programming resources not go to waste, and get some real 
'direction.'

Sorry for writing a book.  Back to working on MPFR RPM.....

Keith