Very Computer

I've tried to compile Xfsft from the source, but the documentation is
less than helpful to me (I'm not a newbie, and compile lots of stuff
from scratch and tweak makefiles if necessary -- I had to * sorry).
Specifically the BUILDING File uses the convention to `xc` to represent
the root of the X source tree.  Is this /usr/X11R6/include?  What is the
root of the X source tree?

I'll go so far as to suggest that this BUILDING file document how a user
can tell if they have the necessary source to build the X Font Server,
and will promptly email the author with said information as soon as I
know.

It then mentions that in xc/lib, which I'm assuming is now
/usr/X11R6/lib/Server/lib, it's necessary to apply patch libfont.patch.
Well apply it to what?  All I have is libfont.a which appears to be a
binary file.

So this leads me to believe I don't have the necessary source from
XFree86 included.  So where do I get it?  I've visited the XFree86
website and it indicates there are three source files, but I've seen no
inddication as far as what is included in each one.  I want to build a
font server, I don't want to build the X server.  I just want the source
I need, how do I find which package has it.  I don't want all of the
source, if I only need a fraction of it.

Modularization is a good thing.

I'd appreciate any assistance.

Thanks,
Brian Seppanen

Linux = A love/hate relationship

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BS> I've tried to compile Xfsft from the source, but the documentation is
BS> less than helpful to me (I'm not a newbie, and compile lots of stuff
BS> from scratch and tweak makefiles if necessary -- I had to * sorry).

The documentation is very clear that you should not attempt to build a
patched version unless you already know how to build X.

Early versions of the documentation were much more helpful.  However,
this lead to a continuous stream of requests for help with building.
For this reason, I made the BUILDING document fairly criptic, and
tried to make it clear that you should use the prebuilt binaries if at
all possible.  Most people seem to follow my advice, which
significantly decreased my suppport load.

For your information, the main xfsft web page,

  http://www.veryComputer.com/

contains a number of links to prebuilt binaries.

BS> Specifically the BUILDING File uses the convention to `xc` to
BS> represent the root of the X source tree.  Is this
BS> /usr/X11R6/include?

No.

BS> What is the root of the X source tree?

It is whatever place you decide to install the X sources in.  You
don't seem to have the X sources installed.

BS> I'll go so far as to suggest that this BUILDING file document how
BS> a user can tell if they have the necessary source to build the X
BS> Font Server, and will promptly email the author with said
BS> information as soon as I know.

Thanks a lot for the offer, but I already know this information, and
will not include it in the xfsft documentation.  The xfsft building
documentation is unfriendly, and will remain so.

Furthermore, I would like to inform you that any new work on xfsft
will go into XFree86 4.0; as far as I am concerned, XFree86 3.3.* is a
dead end.

BS> I'd appreciate any assistance.

I'm sorry not to be more helpful, but I do know what the likely
consequences would be.

Followups restricted.

                                        J.

: I've tried to compile Xfsft from the source, but the documentation is
: less than helpful to me (I'm not a newbie, and compile lots of stuff

Yes, I recall this difficulty, but I haven't done it recently so my
memory is hazy.

: Specifically the BUILDING File uses the convention to `xc` to represent
: the root of the X source tree.  Is this /usr/X11R6/include?  What is the
: root of the X source tree?

It's wherever you put the X LinkKit. Usually /usr/X11R6/lib. I put it
in somewhere like /var/X11R6/lib, if I recall. You might want it under
/usr/src.

: I'll go so far as to suggest that this BUILDING file document how a user
: can tell if they have the necessary source to build the X Font Server,

Amen!

: It then mentions that in xc/lib, which I'm assuming is now
: /usr/X11R6/lib/Server/lib, it's necessary to apply patch libfont.patch.
: Well apply it to what?  All I have is libfont.a which appears to be a

Patches aren't specific to files. The name means nothing. Read the
patch and you'll see where it goes (but yes, as I recall it wasn't
completely obvious - and I don't even recall if it ultimately proved
necessary!).

: inddication as far as what is included in each one.  I want to build a
: font server, I don't want to build the X server.  I just want the source

But you need bits from the X kit, and the fontserver builds in its
source tree. Well, maybe I can help by looking at my source ...

Yes. In the Server/directory, the last thing to have been changed is
the font subdir. That contains libfont.patch and a FreeType subdir.

: I need, how do I find which package has it.  I don't want all of the
: source, if I only need a fraction of it.

I do not currently have the files referred to in the patch on my
system. However, I AM running xfsft.

: Modularization is a good thing.

: I'd appreciate any assistance.

Peter