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CML2 Coming in Kernel 2.5
MrHat writes: "Eric S. Raymond's CML2, or 'Configuration Menu Language' -- part of the next-generation Linux kernel build system -- is now officially ready for 2.5. CML2 includes a compiler for a domain-specific configuration language, used to configure kernel subsystems and resolve dependencies between them. CML2 and Linux 2.5 will 'ship' with several different configuration interfaces, including an adventure game, whipped up by ESR during an extended flight. The story from the horse's mouth (or LKML, if you prefer):'This release resolves all known logic bugs and rulebase problems. The only things left on the to-do list are convenience features and some minor improvements in the test/coverage tools. This code is now officially ready for the 2.5 fork.'"
OK, so ESR has invented a new language with an awful syntax. I would think in the 21st century we could say "and" or "&" instead of "-a". The language is a disaster.
As for the adventure game, I don't understand kernel configuration and I don't understand the adventure game. It makes it harder for me to see what options I have. How did ESR know to go north to get to CPU choices? Adventure games are only fun because of the process of discovery. GUIs are popular because more options are in your face and you can see what you can do. When I am doing something as potentially tricky as configuring a kernel, I want as much information as possible presented to me, and I want the consequences of those actions to be bleedingly obvious. I don't want to have to grovel for every piece of information.
I applaud all those who are tackling this problem, but this is a very poor solution.