[Distutils] Package Meta-information Patch

[Michael Muller]

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Hi All,

I finally got to delve into Distutils 0.1.2 over the long weekend, and I think
it is a very nice package.  The architecture is very clean and extensible, and
the code is consistent, well commented, and well organized.  Thanks, Greg!

I've enclosed a patch which addresses a particular concern of mine: package
meta-information.  At the end of the install command, it creates a package
information file in <install_py.install_dir>/_pkginfo named after the package
(it also creates the "_pkginfo" directory, if necessary).  The file contains
python variable definitions for the package name, version number, list of
files installed, dependencies, and compatible versions (although the latter
two are always empty at this time).

The module that is used to record and obtain package information can be
overriden on the command line (install_info --pkg-module <your-module>). 
Also, if a global "pkginfo" module exists, it will be used instead of the
default distutils.pkginfo module (whose behavior is described above).  I
envision the installer using whatever package information system is most
appropriate for the system (RPM's for Linux, Registry files for Windows[?]).

Meta-information facilitates uninstall, dependency checking, automatic
downloading of dependencies, and system cataloging.  I'd be interested in
contributing some of these features to distutils, and welcome any discussion
on the subject, particularly since it is relevant to my day job.

=============================================================================
michaelMuller = mmuller@enduden.com | http://www.cloud9.net/~proteus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is no concept that is more demeaning to the human spirit than the
notion that our freedom must be limited in the interests of our own
protection.
=============================================================================
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