[darcs-users] Formal documentation

[Michael Olney]

<iago.abal at gmail.com> wrote:
> Finally, AFAIK only 2-3 people fully understand Darcs patch theory
> implementation(1), and the only available "documentation" about some Darcs
> advanced topics are some discussions in some old Darcs mailing list.

There seems to be a general impression put forth by some that there
are people who understand various aspects of patch theory to various
extents. It seems impossible to validate that claim unless someone
writes down those aspects in a precise form. I think some people have
the impression that someone just needs to "get around" to writing them
down.

> I would like to know why are you interested in Darcs patch algebra. Please
> let us (at least "me") know if you plan some work on Darcs!

My PhD thesis-in-progress relates to the formal aspects of revision
control systems. I would like to include Darcs in my review of
existing work; after all, it seems to come up every time I introduce
my work to someone new. However, I have had difficulty obtaining
enough information to provide a full and accurate summary. Darcs seems
to be a useful tool, but the status of its model and its connection
with the implementation are not clear to me. I am eager to discuss
these issues in order to get a clearer picture of things.