Re: Predicted lifespan of different PostgreSQLbranches

["Dave Page" <dpage(at)postgresql(dot)org>]

> ------- Original Message -------
> From: Bruce Momjian <bruce(at)momjian(dot)us>
> To: Dave Page <dpage(at)postgresql(dot)org>
> Sent: 29/01/07, 21:12:30
> Subject: Re: [GENERAL] Predicted lifespan of different PostgreSQLbranches
> 
> I am pretty amazed people are considering shortening the release cycle
> for our most popular platform.  As it is a packaging issue, if some
> people don't want to continue providing updates, I can start asking in
> the community for someone else to do it.
> 
> If the port is broken, and people must upgrade, I can see the reason for
> not releasing updates, but if it is a question of time committment, I
> oppose such cutbacks.

It's not a question of having the time - it's partly what I'm paid for these days. It's a question of whether that time is being wasted maintaining old versions that perhaps people aren't concerned with any more. That's why I brought the subject up on this -general thread, rather than in -hackers. 

A couple of thoughts spring to mind that might  warrant some consideration:

- Windows is our most popular platform for sure, but I would wager the majority of those installations are development/test installs and that possibly Linux is the most popular platform for production systems. Those dev
systems are likely to be running the latest version.

- So far I think you are the only person to object to 8.0 being dropped!

In any case, if people want to keep 8.0, then I will keep building it for the time being. We might need to start staggering point releases though.

Regards, Dave