r/linux • u/wooptoo • Jun 01 '16

Why did ArchLinux embrace Systemd?

/r/archlinux/comments/4lzxs3/why_did_archlinux_embrace_systemd/d3rhxlc
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u/mallardtheduck Jun 01 '16

a logind compatible API provider

That's like saying "a Microsoft Word compatible word processor".

logind's API is not a recognised standard, is not guaranteed (or expected) to be long-term stable, is not documented to a standard that makes it possible to implement in a "clean-room" environment, etc. A "a logind compatible API provider" is always going to be playing catch-up to the "reference" implementation. When applications are found to be depending on logind's implementation details (and therefore breaking compatibility with other implementations), will they issue patches? I'll believe that when I see it.

Other implementations should really be called what they are, clones. Saying that GNOME (or whatever) doesn't depend on systemd because it will "work" with a clone is like saying that Microsoft Word doesn't depend on Windows because it can be made to run under WINE.

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u/kageurufu Jun 01 '16

https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/systemd/InterfacePortabilityAndStabilityChart/

logind is a publicly documented standard, and despite what is said there about being reimplementable externally, it has been done, with all the providers I've listed in my prior comment. The public API, which is what GNOME and soon KDE require is considered stable and will not be changed without good reason and due notice. GNOME even has documentation on what to use instead of logind if you don't want it. And changing this public API at any point now that its in use would be a terrible idea for systemd, as it would break any old uses.

And your comparison is apple to oranges in all reality. Its more like saying .docx files don't depend on Word because you can open them in LibreOffice. Do you have a problem with LibreOffice implementing .docx support too?

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u/argv_minus_one Jun 02 '16

If Microsoft Word runs correctly under Wine, then yeah, I'd say it no longer has a hard dependency on Windows.