GNU bug report logs - #29807
mktemp documentation does not clearly document the use of TMPDIR

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Message #5 received at submit <at> debbugs.gnu.org (full text, mbox):

From: Martin Schwenke <martin <at> meltin.net>
To: bug-coreutils <at> gnu.org
Subject: mktemp documentation does not clearly document the use of TMPDIR
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 14:42:44 +1100

Looking at the source code of mktemp suggests that it generally
uses the TMPDIR environment variable to specify an alternative to /tmp
when options such -p and -t are not given.

However, the documentation only mentions TMPDIR in the context of the -p
and -t options.  The info page has an example that seems to imply the
general use of of TMPDIR but that is as far as it goes. 

I think there should be an "ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES" section that lists
TMPDIR and explains how it is used.

I would supply a patch but I don't understand enough texinfo to be
able to figure out how to do this in doc/coreutils.texi.  :-(

peace & happiness,
martin

Message #8 received at 29807 <at> debbugs.gnu.org (full text, mbox):

From: Martin Schwenke <martin <at> meltin.net>
To: 29807 <at> debbugs.gnu.org
Subject: Probably ignore this bug report  ;-)
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2017 15:45:33 +1100

After reading the documentation again, I realise that it is actually
complete (i.e. no arguments implies --tmpdir).

I would, however, regard the documentation to be structured in a way
that makes it hard to find the information about TMPDIR.  That is,
searching for TMPDIR doesn't find the answer.  You need to carefully
read that no arguments implies --tmpdir and that this implies the use
of TMPDIR.  A separate discussion of TMPDIR would be more helpful.

Thanks...

peace & happiness,
martin

Message #11 received at 29807 <at> debbugs.gnu.org (full text, mbox):

From: Assaf Gordon <assafgordon <at> gmail.com>
To: 29807 <at> debbugs.gnu.org
Subject: Re: bug#29807: Probably ignore this bug report ;-)
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:22:08 -0600

tags 29807 notabug
close 29807
stop

(triaging old bugs)

On 2017-12-21 9:45 p.m., Martin Schwenke wrote:
> After reading the documentation again, I realise that it is actually
> complete (i.e. no arguments implies --tmpdir).

Given the above, I'm closing this bug.

> [...] A separate discussion of TMPDIR would be more helpful.

Patches and wording suggestions are always welcomed.

regards,
 - assaf

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