Beefy Boxes and Bandwidth Generously Provided by pair Networks
more useful options
 
PerlMonks  

Re: test for non perl command dependency

by Crackers2 (Parson)
on Jul 14, 2009 at 05:02 UTC ( [id://779787]=note: print w/replies, xml ) Need Help??


in reply to test for non perl command dependency

Not really an answer to your question, but...

I've found that in most cases checking for a minimum version isn't as useful as it seems, for one or more of the reasons below:

  • Distributions apply their own patches which can cause versions below your specified minimum to work fine with your programs.
  • Or they may take away features because they think they're not mature enough yet or cause problems.
  • Or they may use a from-scratch reimplementation with different version numbers

In most cases if an external tool doesn't support a feature it'll probably exit with an error when you call it, and you can just print an error at that point.

If it's really important to know in advance, do a test for the actual feature, not just a version number.

And, even though people might not read it, clearly add the dependencies to the documentation.

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^2: test for non perl command dependency
by leocharre (Priest) on Jul 14, 2009 at 12:47 UTC
    This kinda is an answer.. xargs does have a feature that was later introduced. The --delimiter cli argument.

    I considered testing for that, but I thought it would be too cheesy, too hacky.. but then.. I am glad to see you suggest this. Good idea. Thank you!

Log In?
Username:
Password:

What's my password?
Create A New User
Domain Nodelet?
Node Status?
node history
Node Type: note [id://779787]
help
Chatterbox?
and the web crawler heard nothing...

How do I use this?Last hourOther CB clients
Other Users?
Others wandering the Monastery: (3)
As of 2024-03-29 14:52 GMT
Sections?
Information?
Find Nodes?
Leftovers?
    Voting Booth?

    No recent polls found