<strong>Report forwarded</strong> to <code>debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org, David Frey &lt;dfrey@debian.org&gt;</code>:<br>
<code>Bug#102116</code>; Package <code>magicfilter</code>.


debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.orgDavid Frey <dfrey@debian.org>

Subject: Bug#102116: magicfilter fails silently if aux program is not present
Reply-To: Thomas.Koenig@ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de (Thomas =?ISO-8859-1?Q?K=F6nig?=), 102116@bugs.debian.org
Resent-From: ig25@mvmap66.ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de (Thomas Koenig)
Resent-To: debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org
Resent-CC: David Frey <dfrey@debian.org>
Resent-Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2001 22:04:06 GMT
Resent-Message-ID: <handler.102116.B.9934186301368@bugs.debian.org>
Resent-Sender: owner@bugs.debian.org
X-Debian-PR-Message: report 102116
X-Debian-PR-Package: magicfilter
X-Debian-PR-Keywords: 
X-Loop: owner@bugs.debian.org
Received: via spool by submit@bugs.debian.org id=B.9934186301368
          (code B ref -1); Sun, 24 Jun 2001 22:04:06 GMT
To: submit@bugs.debian.org
Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2001 23:37:06 +0200 (CEST)
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Message-Id: <20010624213706.5BC9697B4C@mvmap66.ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de>
From: ig25@mvmap66.ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de (Thomas Koenig)
Delivered-To: submit@bugs.debian.org

Package: magicfilter
Version: 1.2-45
Priority: important

If a filter in a magicfilter config file is not present, magicfilter
silently fails.

This has bitten me when trying to print a pure text on a DJ 670
without the suggested package djtools installed.  The configuration
file in /etc/magicfilter/dj690c-filter has

default			filter 	/usr/bin/djscript -q 

as the last line.  Because /usr/bin/djscript was not there, lpr silently
ate all my print jobs.




<strong>Acknowledgement sent</strong> to <code>Thomas.Koenig@ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de (Thomas =?ISO-8859-1?Q?K=F6nig?=)</code>:<br>
New Bug report received and forwarded.  Copy sent to <code>David Frey &lt;dfrey@debian.org&gt;</code>.


-t

From: owner@bugs.debian.org (Debian Bug Tracking System)
To: Thomas.Koenig@ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de (Thomas =?ISO-8859-1?Q?K=F6nig?=)
Subject: Bug#102116: Acknowledgement (magicfilter fails silently if aux program is not present)
Message-ID: <handler.102116.B.9934186301368.ack@bugs.debian.org>
In-Reply-To: <20010624213706.5BC9697B4C@mvmap66.ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de>
References: <20010624213706.5BC9697B4C@mvmap66.ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de>
X-Debian-PR-Message: ack 102116

Thank you for the problem report you have sent regarding Debian.
This is an automatically generated reply, to let you know your message has
been received.  It is being forwarded to the developers mailing list for
their attention; they will reply in due course.

Your message has been sent to the package maintainer(s):
 David Frey <dfrey@debian.org>

If you wish to submit further information on your problem, please send
it to 102116@bugs.debian.org (and *not* to
submit@bugs.debian.org).

Please do not reply to the address at the top of this message,
unless you wish to report a problem with the Bug-tracking system.

Darren Benham
(administrator, Debian Bugs database)



Received: (at submit) by bugs.debian.org; 24 Jun 2001 21:37:10 +0000
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Subject: magicfilter fails silently if aux program is not present
To: submit@bugs.debian.org
Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2001 23:37:06 +0200 (CEST)
Reply-To: Thomas.Koenig@ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de (Thomas =?ISO-8859-1?Q?K=F6nig?=)
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From: ig25@mvmap66.ciw.uni-karlsruhe.de (Thomas Koenig)
Delivered-To: submit@bugs.debian.org

Package: magicfilter
Version: 1.2-45
Priority: important

If a filter in a magicfilter config file is not present, magicfilter
silently fails.

This has bitten me when trying to print a pure text on a DJ 670
without the suggested package djtools installed.  The configuration
file in /etc/magicfilter/dj690c-filter has

default			filter 	/usr/bin/djscript -q 

as the last line.  Because /usr/bin/djscript was not there, lpr silently
ate all my print jobs.




<strong>Information forwarded</strong> to <code>debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org, David Frey &lt;dfrey@debian.org&gt;, magicfilter@packages.qa.debian.org</code>:<br>
<code>Bug#102116</code>; Package <code>magicfilter</code>.


debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.orgDavid Frey <dfrey@debian.org>magicfilter@packages.qa.debian.org

X-Loop: owner@bugs.debian.org
Subject: Bug#102116: Bug#138144: magicfilter: should depend on enscript
Reply-To: Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org>, 102116@bugs.debian.org
Resent-From: Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org>
Resent-To: debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org
Resent-CC: David Frey <dfrey@debian.org>, magicfilter@packages.qa.debian.org
Resent-Date: Fri, 03 May 2002 15:33:05 GMT
Resent-Message-ID: <handler.102116.B102116.102043925913978@bugs.debian.org>
Resent-Sender: owner@bugs.debian.org
X-Debian-PR-Message: report 102116
X-Debian-PR-Package: magicfilter
X-Debian-PR-Keywords: 
Received: via spool by 102116-submit@bugs.debian.org id=B102116.102043925913978
          (code B ref 102116); Fri, 03 May 2002 15:33:05 GMT
Date: Fri, 3 May 2002 11:19:57 -0400 (EDT)
Message-Id: <200205031519.g43FJvh11602@smtpsrv1.mitre.org>
From: Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org>
To: brian@debian.org
CC: 102116@bugs.debian.org, 138144@bugs.debian.org, 101010@bugs.debian.org
In-reply-to: <20020502012121.750FBDFB5@ariel.local.net> (brian@debian.org)
Mime-Version: 1.0 (generated by tm-edit 7.106)
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brian@debian.org (Brian Mays) writes:

> Here is my suggestion: Unless the tool is used by *every* filter,
> the level should be "Recommends."  In this way, the tool in question
> will be installed by default by all sane package selection tools,
> but the administrator can remove tools that he knows will not
> actually be used on his system without resorting to dpkg's
> "--force-depends" option.
> 
> Note that, by this rule of thumb, the magicfilter should only
> recommend enscript.

Your suggestion meets the letter of Debian policy.  However, it does
not prevent a mysterious failure due to an uninstalled package.  I say
"mysterious" because there are no error messages suggesting the cause
or remedy.  This certainly violates the Debian philosophy.  Apparently
others agree (see #102116 and #101010).

I think the dependency levels are too blunt an instrument in this
case.  I would rather not install djtools, any more than you want to
install enscript.  (Though I would rather have an extra 188k package
installed than have to contend with the mysterious failure.)  I'd like
to see two other measures:

 - When a filter is missing, magicfilter should exit with an error (#62411)
 - Magicfilter should log run time errors in syslog (see #135616).
This is probably the best we can do for filters like dvips.
 - Test for dependencies *at configuration time*. I see there's a 
note in magicfilterconfig to check the "recommends" packages.  I don't
think that's enough.  I think magicfilterconfig should note which
printers are configured, check whether the default filters for those
printers are installed, and warn if not.

	     - Jim Van Zandt





<strong>Acknowledgement sent</strong> to <code>Jim Van Zandt &lt;jrv@kosh.mitre.org&gt;</code>:<br>
Extra info received and forwarded to list.  Copy sent to <code>David Frey &lt;dfrey@debian.org&gt;, magicfilter@packages.qa.debian.org</code>.


-t

X-Loop: owner@bugs.debian.org
From: owner@bugs.debian.org (Debian Bug Tracking System)
To: Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org>
Subject: Bug#102116: Info received (was Bug#138144: magicfilter: should depend on enscript)
Message-ID: <handler.102116.B102116.102043925913978.ackinfo@bugs.debian.org>
In-Reply-To: <200205031519.g43FJvh11602@smtpsrv1.mitre.org>
References: <200205031519.g43FJvh11602@smtpsrv1.mitre.org>
X-Debian-PR-Message: ack-info 102116
X-Reply-To-disabled-by-doogie-because-it-can-wreak-havoc: 102116@bugs.debian.org

Thank you for the additional information you have supplied regarding
this problem report.  It has been forwarded to the developer(s) and
to the developers mailing list to accompany the original report.

Your message has been sent to the package maintainer(s):
 David Frey <dfrey@debian.org>

If you wish to continue to submit further information on your problem,
please send it to 102116@bugs.debian.org, as before.

Please do not reply to the address at the top of this message,
unless you wish to report a problem with the Bug-tracking system.

Debian bug tracking system administrator
(administrator, Debian Bugs database)



Received: (at 102116) by bugs.debian.org; 3 May 2002 15:20:59 +0000
From jrv@kosh.mitre.org Fri May 03 10:20:59 2002
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Date: Fri, 3 May 2002 11:19:57 -0400 (EDT)
Message-Id: <200205031519.g43FJvh11602@smtpsrv1.mitre.org>
From: Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org>
To: brian@debian.org
CC: 102116@bugs.debian.org, 138144@bugs.debian.org, 101010@bugs.debian.org
In-reply-to: <20020502012121.750FBDFB5@ariel.local.net> (brian@debian.org)
Subject: Re: Bug#138144: magicfilter: should depend on enscript
Mime-Version: 1.0 (generated by tm-edit 7.106)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Delivered-To: 102116@bugs.debian.org



brian@debian.org (Brian Mays) writes:

> Here is my suggestion: Unless the tool is used by *every* filter,
> the level should be "Recommends."  In this way, the tool in question
> will be installed by default by all sane package selection tools,
> but the administrator can remove tools that he knows will not
> actually be used on his system without resorting to dpkg's
> "--force-depends" option.
> 
> Note that, by this rule of thumb, the magicfilter should only
> recommend enscript.

Your suggestion meets the letter of Debian policy.  However, it does
not prevent a mysterious failure due to an uninstalled package.  I say
"mysterious" because there are no error messages suggesting the cause
or remedy.  This certainly violates the Debian philosophy.  Apparently
others agree (see #102116 and #101010).

I think the dependency levels are too blunt an instrument in this
case.  I would rather not install djtools, any more than you want to
install enscript.  (Though I would rather have an extra 188k package
installed than have to contend with the mysterious failure.)  I'd like
to see two other measures:

 - When a filter is missing, magicfilter should exit with an error (#62411)
 - Magicfilter should log run time errors in syslog (see #135616).
This is probably the best we can do for filters like dvips.
 - Test for dependencies *at configuration time*. I see there's a 
note in magicfilterconfig to check the "recommends" packages.  I don't
think that's enough.  I think magicfilterconfig should note which
printers are configured, check whether the default filters for those
printers are installed, and warn if not.

	     - Jim Van Zandt





<strong>Information forwarded</strong> to <code>debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org, David Frey &lt;dfrey@debian.org&gt;, magicfilter@packages.qa.debian.org</code>:<br>
<code>Bug#102116</code>; Package <code>magicfilter</code>.


debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.orgDavid Frey <dfrey@debian.org>magicfilter@packages.qa.debian.org

X-Loop: owner@bugs.debian.org
Subject: Bug#102116: Bug#138144: magicfilter: should depend on enscript 
Reply-To: brian@debian.org (Brian Mays), 102116@bugs.debian.org
Resent-From: brian@debian.org (Brian Mays)
Original-Sender: bemays@virginia.edu
Resent-To: debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org
Resent-CC: David Frey <dfrey@debian.org>, magicfilter@packages.qa.debian.org
Resent-Date: Fri, 03 May 2002 19:03:04 GMT
Resent-Message-ID: <handler.102116.B102116.102045190823362@bugs.debian.org>
Resent-Sender: owner@bugs.debian.org
X-Debian-PR-Message: report 102116
X-Debian-PR-Package: magicfilter
X-Debian-PR-Keywords: 
Received: via spool by 102116-submit@bugs.debian.org id=B102116.102045190823362
          (code B ref 102116); Fri, 03 May 2002 19:03:04 GMT
From: brian@debian.org (Brian Mays)
To: Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org>
Cc: 102116@bugs.debian.org, 138144@bugs.debian.org,
	101010@bugs.debian.org
In-Reply-To: Message from Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org> 
   of "Fri, 03 May 2002 11:19:57 EDT." <200205031519.g43FJvh11602@smtpsrv1.mitre.org> 
References: <200205031519.g43FJvh11602@smtpsrv1.mitre.org> 
X-Mailer: mh-e 6.1; nmh 1.0.4+dev; Emacs 20.7
Date: Fri, 03 May 2002 14:51:47 -0400
Sender: bemays@virginia.edu
Message-Id: <20020503185147.9783FDFB5@ariel.local.net>
Delivered-To: 102116@bugs.debian.org

Jim Van Zandt makes some valid and insightful points.

He wrote:

> Your suggestion ... does not prevent a mysterious failure due to an
> uninstalled package.

True.  But if magicfilter recommends enscript, then the enscript package
should be installed.  That is, any *good* package management tool will
install all recommended packages by default, since this dependency level
is reserved for packages that should be installed in all but unusual
circumstances.  If the user chooses to disregard a recommendation, then
any failure that results is his own fault.  Caveat actor.

The real problem addressed by these bug reports is the "mysterious
failure" that results.  Jim Van Zandt suggests:

> - When a filter is missing, magicfilter should exit with an error
>   (#62411)

Definitely a good idea.

>  - Magicfilter should log run time errors in syslog (see #135616).
>    This is probably the best we can do for filters like dvips.

This would improve things greatly.

>  - Test for dependencies *at configuration time*.  I see there's a
>    note in magicfilterconfig to check the "recommends" packages.  I
>    don't think that's enough.  I think magicfilterconfig should note
>    which printers are configured, check whether the default filters
>    for those printers are installed, and warn if not.

Probably a good idea and shouldn't be difficult to implement.  The
script could check for the presence of the necessary binary files.

- Brian




<strong>Acknowledgement sent</strong> to <code>brian@debian.org (Brian Mays)</code>:<br>
Extra info received and forwarded to list.  Copy sent to <code>David Frey &lt;dfrey@debian.org&gt;, magicfilter@packages.qa.debian.org</code>.


-t

X-Loop: owner@bugs.debian.org
From: owner@bugs.debian.org (Debian Bug Tracking System)
To: brian@debian.org (Brian Mays)
Subject: Bug#102116: Info received (was Bug#138144: magicfilter: should depend on enscript )
Message-ID: <handler.102116.B102116.102045190823362.ackinfo@bugs.debian.org>
In-Reply-To: <20020503185147.9783FDFB5@ariel.local.net>
References: <20020503185147.9783FDFB5@ariel.local.net>
X-Debian-PR-Message: ack-info 102116
X-Reply-To-disabled-by-doogie-because-it-can-wreak-havoc: 102116@bugs.debian.org

Thank you for the additional information you have supplied regarding
this problem report.  It has been forwarded to the developer(s) and
to the developers mailing list to accompany the original report.

Your message has been sent to the package maintainer(s):
 David Frey <dfrey@debian.org>

If you wish to continue to submit further information on your problem,
please send it to 102116@bugs.debian.org, as before.

Please do not reply to the address at the top of this message,
unless you wish to report a problem with the Bug-tracking system.

Debian bug tracking system administrator
(administrator, Debian Bugs database)



Received: (at 102116) by bugs.debian.org; 3 May 2002 18:51:48 +0000
From bemays@virginia.edu Fri May 03 13:51:48 2002
Return-path: <bemays@virginia.edu>
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	id 9783FDFB5; Fri,  3 May 2002 14:51:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: brian@debian.org (Brian Mays)
To: Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org>
Cc: 102116@bugs.debian.org, 138144@bugs.debian.org,
	101010@bugs.debian.org
Subject: Re: Bug#138144: magicfilter: should depend on enscript 
In-Reply-To: Message from Jim Van Zandt <jrv@kosh.mitre.org> 
   of "Fri, 03 May 2002 11:19:57 EDT." <200205031519.g43FJvh11602@smtpsrv1.mitre.org> 
References: <200205031519.g43FJvh11602@smtpsrv1.mitre.org> 
X-Mailer: mh-e 6.1; nmh 1.0.4+dev; Emacs 20.7
Date: Fri, 03 May 2002 14:51:47 -0400
Sender: bemays@virginia.edu
Message-Id: <20020503185147.9783FDFB5@ariel.local.net>
Delivered-To: 102116@bugs.debian.org

Jim Van Zandt makes some valid and insightful points.

He wrote:

> Your suggestion ... does not prevent a mysterious failure due to an
> uninstalled package.

True.  But if magicfilter recommends enscript, then the enscript package
should be installed.  That is, any *good* package management tool will
install all recommended packages by default, since this dependency level
is reserved for packages that should be installed in all but unusual
circumstances.  If the user chooses to disregard a recommendation, then
any failure that results is his own fault.  Caveat actor.

The real problem addressed by these bug reports is the "mysterious
failure" that results.  Jim Van Zandt suggests:

> - When a filter is missing, magicfilter should exit with an error
>   (#62411)

Definitely a good idea.

>  - Magicfilter should log run time errors in syslog (see #135616).
>    This is probably the best we can do for filters like dvips.

This would improve things greatly.

>  - Test for dependencies *at configuration time*.  I see there's a
>    note in magicfilterconfig to check the "recommends" packages.  I
>    don't think that's enough.  I think magicfilterconfig should note
>    which printers are configured, check whether the default filters
>    for those printers are installed, and warn if not.

Probably a good idea and shouldn't be difficult to implement.  The
script could check for the presence of the necessary binary files.

- Brian




<strong>Merged 62411 102116.</strong>
Request was from <code>david@eos.lugs.ch (David Frey)</code>
to <code>control@bugs.debian.org</code>. 


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tags 65114 unreproducible moreinfo
tags 33666 unreproducible 
tags 101010 wontfix
severity 62411 important
merge 62411 102116
tags 65595 unreproducible moreinfo
close 138144
tags 144914 help wontfix
tags 151855 wontfix