I couldn't find this in the guidelines and I'm looking for clarification.

When a package generates data as a consequence of it's runtime operation
should the package data also be removed along with the package files
when the package is uninstalled (i.e. rpm -e)?


Issues:

* It may be a user expectation that removing a package removes all the
files associated with the package even if they are not package files
(listed in %files). Most people remove packages because they don't want
or need the package any more and don't want cruft left behind, they want
a clean uninstall which recovers the maximum disk space possible without
"orphans"


* Generated data may have value after the package is removed, for some
users it might be an unpleasant experience to discover after removing a
package the data files were wiped out too.


* It's not possible to query the user at uninstall time as to the
disposition of data files because the uninstall (like install's) may be
scripted.


My inclination is the packaging guidelines should encourage the removal
of data files generated by the package when the package is removed.


Comments?

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John Dennis <jdennis@redhat.com>

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