Re: We might need a better wording for our release page

Ananthu C V <[email protected]> writes:

> On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 10:21:46PM +0000, Richard Lewis wrote:
>> Debian Releases
>> 
>> Debian is avialable in three main versions (also called suites, releases
>> or distributions): stable, testing and unstable.
>
> I find the usage of "versions" in such as context quite confusing and
> unfitting TBH. It is true that "bookworm" or "trixie" and the likes
> can be "versions" since they are in fact versions and also typically
> have a corresponding version number. On the other hand, "stable" and
> "testing" can point to different "versions" at any given time and that,
> IMO, makes the terminology ambiguous, since they are not in fact releases,
> but whatever names/versions they point to are.  I do not exactly have a
> suggestion on which of the alternatives to use instead though.

hi Ananthu,

i understand the point you are making, and while i think you are
technically correct, i think it is a point of very fine detail that is
beyond the scope of this document. I think your point would be best
addressed in a page that explains the release process rather than this
overview -- i think the FAQ might be such a place


It is important to be remember what we are writing and who we are
writing for. We are not writing a technical specification, formal
definition, etc and so do not need to be overly concerned if we miss
some minor points of detail. (we shouldnt be overtly incorrect, but
let's think of the reader and prioritise explaining the big picture).

This document is mostly going to be read mainly by people who only know
a little about debian, and who may have little knowledge about idea how
debian works -- this was the original request, to make this page clearer
about the stable vs testing vs unstable options because it is not
understood.

And i think those people are not likely to have the confusion over
calling stable a version because they dont know the details. Those that
know enough are not likely to be confused in practice, i believe.


>> unstable
>> --------
>> This is where active development of Debian occurs. Generally, unstable
>> is used by developers and advanced users who like to live on the
>> edge.
>
> While that is a very common usage, I find it quite aggresive (because I
> know a lot of developers live on actual $edge of mental health), and hence
> suggest the usage of something along the lines of "... who like to stay on
> the bleeding edge of technology" (or any better versions of that). That is
> just a personal prefrence but I can guarantee that I am gasping each time
> I read the line :(

fine with me - i actually thought this line was twee when i read it in
the originaly. i liked justin's comment on this one.