Voting begins on Debian initialization systems

A few months ago here in the blog we share the news about a discussion that the developers took Debian whether to support multiple initialization systems it would be an option. Since this stemmed from a disagreement regarding the delivery of the elogind package (If you want to read the note, you can do in this link).

And well now, the start of a general vote was announced for project developers to decide on whether the system will support multiple initialization systems, which will determine the additional policy of the project regarding binding to systemd, support for alternative initialization systems and interaction with derived distributions that do not use systemd.

A few months ago, after problems with the inclusion of the elogind package (necessary for GNOME to work without systemd) in the test branch due to a conflict with libsystemd, the Debian project leader posed the question again, since the developers could not agree and their communication became confrontational and stagnant

The current vote will allow a policy to pass on multiple initialization systems and if the element that forces to support alternative systems wins, the maintainers will not be able to ignore or delay such problems.

After discussing the three voting points originally proposed by the project leader, the number of options was expanded to eight.

When voting, multiple items are allowed to be selected at once with the classification of the selected elements by level of preference. About a thousand developers who participate in package maintenance and infrastructure support have the right to vote.

Within the suggested options, it is established:

• The main focus is on systemd. Providing support for alternate initialization systems is not a priority, but startup scripts for such systems can optionally be packaged.
• Support for a variety of initialization systems and the ability to boot Debian on non-systemd systems.
  To start the services, the packages must include startup scripts.
• Systemd is still preferable, but the ability to maintain alternate initialization systems remains. Technologies, such as elogind, that allow you to run system-bound applications in alternate environments are considered important. Packages can include init files for alternate systems.
• Support for systems that do not use systemd, but without making changes that impede development. The developers agree to support multiple initialization systems for the foreseeable future, but also find it necessary to work to improve systemd support. The development and maintenance of specific solutions should be carried out by the communities interested in such solutions, but other maintainers should actively assist and contribute to solving problems when the need arises.
• Support for portability, without making changes that interfere with development. Portability between hardware platforms and software stacks is an important task and the integration of alternative technologies is welcome, even if the worldview of its creators differs from a common opinion.
• Transfer support for multiple initialization systems to the category of mandatory. Providing the ability to run Debian with bootstrap systems other than systemd continues to make a difference to the project. Each package must work with non-systemd pid1 handlers, unless the software included in the package is designed to work with systemd only and there is no support for starting without systemd (the absence of init scripts is not considered for working with only systemd).
• Support for portability and multiple implementations. The general principles are fully consistent with paragraph 5, but with regard to systemd and initialization systems, no specific requirements are made or obligations are imposed on developers. Developers are encouraged to consider the interests of others, make compromises, and find common solutions that are satisfactory to multiple parties.

Voting will last until December 27 inclusive, results will be announced on December 28. If you want to know more about it, you can consult the original publication In the following link.