"Alternatives system" is Debian-based software that implements an alternative system for users to choose between similar packages or commands.
One key feature of Alternatives is its general engine, which includes options like alternatives-auto, alternatives-manual, and alternatives-update. Additionally, there are special scripts for packages, such as alternatives-install and alternatives-uninstall. The system also includes ALT Linux-specific features like alternatives-helper and alternatives-upgrade. Directories like /usr/bin and /etc/alternatives/links house the necessary files and symlinks for the system to run smoothly.
What impressed me most about Alternatives is the changes that have been made from the original Debian alternatives implementation. These changes include a reduction in dependencies and the elimination of the need for a special generic name for alternatives files. The new update model is much more stable as well, since packages contain their configs and can be easily removed when no longer needed.
The new Alternatives system also eliminates any limitations on master-slave hierarchy depth, and it now works with individual items instead of groups. This allows users to switch items into manual mode manually, and it even allows slave alternatives to have the same weight as master alternatives. Finally, the alternatives-update script ensures that any broken symlinks are corrected, which further improves system stability.
Overall, I found Alternatives to be a well-designed and innovative system that overcomes many limitations of the original Debian alternatives implementation. Its helpful features and robust design make it a great option for anyone looking for a more efficient way to manage multiple similar programs on their system.
Version 0.2.0: N/A