docs/master: intro.roff annotate

annotate intro.roff @ 218:8be9e84be526

style: Replaced .Lp macro with .ZZ macro, including enhancements. This is to enlarge or shorten the text block on a page.

author	markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de>
date	Sat, 14 Jul 2012 18:05:19 +0200
parents	9317d789cef9
children	1fa5a74bf138

rev	line source
39 22ae3981a76b style: New RN macro to reset page numbers and change their style. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 32 diff changeset	1 .RN 1
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	2 .H0 "Introduction
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	3 .Id introduction
39 22ae3981a76b style: New RN macro to reset page numbers and change their style. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 32 diff changeset	4
0 dc2bfef4cda7 Initial commit: Basic structure, macros and fonts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: diff changeset	5 .P
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	6 MH is a set of mail handling tools with a common concept, similar to
01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	7 the Unix tool chest, which is a set of file handling tools with a common
01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	8 concept. \fInmh\fP is the currently most popular implementation of an
01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	9 MH-like mail handling system.
01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	10 This thesis describes an experimental version of nmh, named \fImmh\fP.
01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	11 .P
32 6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	12 This chapter introduces MH, its history, concepts and how it is used.
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	13 It describes nmh's code base and community to give the reader
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	14 a better understanding of the state of mmh when it started off.
181 eb6eeb10afd5 Various stuff: Checked quotes, s/further more/furthermore/, etc markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 173 diff changeset	15 Furthermore, this chapter outlines the mmh project itself,
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	16 describing the motivation for it and its goals.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	17
0 dc2bfef4cda7 Initial commit: Basic structure, macros and fonts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: diff changeset	18
28 6c63083b4c19 Wrote text for the Preface; changed headings in Preface and Introduction. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 27 diff changeset	19 .H1 "MH \(en the Mail Handler
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	20 .Id mh
0 dc2bfef4cda7 Initial commit: Basic structure, macros and fonts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: diff changeset	21 .P
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	22 MH is a conceptual email system design and its concrete implementation.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	23 MH had started as a design proposal at RAND Corporation,
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	24 where the first implementation followed later.
eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	25 In spirit, MH is similar to Unix, which
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	26 influenced the world more in being a set of system design concepts
32 6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	27 than in being a specific software product.
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	28 The ideas behind Unix are summarized in the \fIUnix philosophy\fP.
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	29 .[
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	30 gancarz unix philosophy
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	31 .]
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	32 MH follows this philosophy.
2 65e4327aa9f8 Added some introduction text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 0 diff changeset	33
11 9a313c929a2a style: Introduced .U2 for unnumbered .H2. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 9 diff changeset	34 .U2 "History
2 65e4327aa9f8 Added some introduction text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 0 diff changeset	35 .P
32 6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	36 In 1977 at RAND Corporation, Norman Shapiro and Stockton Gaines
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	37 proposed the design of a new mail handling system,
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	38 .[
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	39 shapiro gaines mh proposal
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	40 .]
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	41 to superseed RAND's old monolithic \fIMail System\fP (MS).
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	42 One year later, in 1978, Bruce Borden picked up on the
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	43 proposal and implemented a prototype, which he called
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	44 \fIMail Handler\fP (MH).
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	45 Before the prototype's existence, the concept was
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	46 believed to be practically unusable.
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	47 But the prototype \(en written in only three weeks \(en
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	48 proved successful and replaced MS thereafter.\&
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	49 .[ [
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	50 rand note design of mh
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	51 .], p. 4]
2 65e4327aa9f8 Added some introduction text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 0 diff changeset	52 .P
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	53 In the early eighties,
3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	54 the University of California at Irvine (UCI) started to use MH.
3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	55 Marshall T. Rose and John L. Romine then became the driving force.
57 8776101db595 Intro: Fixed the history. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 54 diff changeset	56 They took over the development and pushed MH forward.
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	57 .[ [
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	58 rand note design of mh
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	59 .], p. 4]
57 8776101db595 Intro: Fixed the history. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 54 diff changeset	60 RAND had put the code into the public domain by then.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	61 MH was developed at UCI at the same time when the Internet appeared,
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	62 BSD started to support TCP/IP networking,
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	63 and Eric Allman wrote Sendmail.
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	64 MH was extended as emailing became more featured.
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	65 The development of MH was closely related to the development of email RFCs.
204 8c0d5bd92f0b Added full names of abbreviations. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 202 diff changeset	66 In the advent of the \fIMultipurpose Internet Mail Extensions\fP (MIME),
8c0d5bd92f0b Added full names of abbreviations. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 202 diff changeset	67 MH was one of the first implementations of the new email standard.
2 65e4327aa9f8 Added some introduction text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 0 diff changeset	68 .P
117 97369a93ef39 Corrections by Kate. Again of high quality. :-) markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 107 diff changeset	69 In the nineties, the Internet became popular and in December 1996,
181 eb6eeb10afd5 Various stuff: Checked quotes, s/further more/furthermore/, etc markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 173 diff changeset	70 Richard Coleman initiated the \fINew Mail Handler\fP (nmh) project.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	71 Nmh is a fork of MH 6.8.3 and bases heavily on the
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	72 \fILBL changes\fP by Van Jacobson, Mike Karels and Craig Leres.
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	73 .[
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	74 lbl changes
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	75 .]
32 6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	76 Colman intended to modernize MH and improve its portability and
6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	77 MIME handling capabilities.
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	78 The development of MH at UCI stopped after the 6.8.4 release in
eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	79 February 1996, soon after the development of nmh had started.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	80 Today, nmh is developed openly in the Internet community.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	81 It has almost completely replaced the original MH.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	82 Some systems might still provide the old MH, but hardly for good reasons.
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	83 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	84 In the last years, the majority of changes in nmh was maintenance work.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	85 Nevertheless, the development was revived in December 2011
57 8776101db595 Intro: Fixed the history. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 54 diff changeset	86 and stayed busy since then.
0 dc2bfef4cda7 Initial commit: Basic structure, macros and fonts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: diff changeset	87
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	88
11 9a313c929a2a style: Introduced .U2 for unnumbered .H2. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 9 diff changeset	89 .U2 "Concepts
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	90 .P
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	91 MH consists of a set of tools, each covering a specific task of
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	92 email handling, such as composing a message, replying to a message,
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	93 refiling a message to a different folder, listing the messages in a folder.
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	94 The tools are invoked directly from the Unix shell.
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	95 .[
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	96 a rand note design of mh
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	97 .]
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	98 .P
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	99 The tools operate on a common mail storage, which consists of
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	100 \fImail folders\fP (directories) and \fPmessages\fP (regular files).
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	101 Each message is stored in a separate file.
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	102 .[
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	103 a rand note design of mh
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	104 .]
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	105 The files are named with ascending numbers in each folder.
eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	106 The specific format of the mail storage characterizes MH in the same way
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	107 as the format of the file system characterizes Unix.
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	108 .P
164 5c01017be420 Reacted to suggestions by Aaron Mueller. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 159 diff changeset	109 MH tools maintain a \fIcontext\fP, which includes for instance the
5c01017be420 Reacted to suggestions by Aaron Mueller. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 159 diff changeset	110 current mail folder.
32 6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	111 Processes in Unix have a similar context, containing the current working
6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	112 directory, for instance. In contrast, the process context is maintained
6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	113 by the Unix kernel automatically, whereas MH tools need to maintain the MH
6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	114 context themselves.
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	115 The user can have one MH context or multiple ones; he can even share it
3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	116 with others.
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	117 .P
164 5c01017be420 Reacted to suggestions by Aaron Mueller. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 159 diff changeset	118 Messages are named by their numeric filename,
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	119 but they can have symbolic names, as well.
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	120 These are either one of six system-controlled position names
208 fead1fc981f0 Added note about the `a' message sequence. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 207 diff changeset	121 and a shorthand for the range of all messages,
32 6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	122 or user-settable group names for arbitrary sets of messages.
6a9abf543297 Rework in the Introduction (about MH). markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 28 diff changeset	123 These names are called sequences.
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	124 Automatically updated position names exist for the
208 fead1fc981f0 Added note about the `a' message sequence. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 207 diff changeset	125 first, last, previous, next, current message, and for the number
fead1fc981f0 Added note about the `a' message sequence. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 207 diff changeset	126 one beyond the last message.
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	127 (In mmh, the names of these sequences are abbreviated to the
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	128 first character.)
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	129 User-definded sequences can be bound to the folder containing the
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	130 messages (\fIpublic sequences\fP) or to the user's context
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	131 (\fIprivate sequences\fP).
0 dc2bfef4cda7 Initial commit: Basic structure, macros and fonts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: diff changeset	132 .P
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	133 The user's \fIprofile\fP is the file that contains his MH configuration.
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	134 Default switches for the individual tools can be specified to
eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	135 adjust them to the user's personal preferences.
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	136 These switches will be automatically supplied whenever the specific
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	137 tool is invoked.
164 5c01017be420 Reacted to suggestions by Aaron Mueller. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 159 diff changeset	138 Additionally, a single command can be linked under different names
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	139 with different default values.
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	140 Form templates for new messages and replies, as well as format files
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	141 to adjust the output of tools are easily exchanged in the profile.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	142 Almost every part of the system can be adjusted to personal preference.
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	143 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	144 The whole system is well scriptable and extensible.
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	145 New MH tools are built out of or on top of existing ones quickly.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	146 MH encourages the user to tailor, extend, and automate the system.
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	147 As the MH tool chest was modeled after the Unix tool chest, the
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	148 properties of the latter apply to the former as well.
102 a782488c85f5 More text about attachments mainly, plus some rearrangements. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 87 diff changeset	149
a782488c85f5 More text about attachments mainly, plus some rearrangements. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 87 diff changeset	150
a782488c85f5 More text about attachments mainly, plus some rearrangements. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 87 diff changeset	151
54 d9c18bd9ed92 Intro: Filled in the very basics for Using MH. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 53 diff changeset	152 .U2 "Using MH
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	153 .P
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	154 Many tutorials to using MH
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	155 .[
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	156 rose sweet mh tutorial
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	157 .]
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	158 .[
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	159 moss jackson user's guide for mh
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	160 .]
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	161 .[
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	162 hegardt mh for beginners
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	163 .]
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	164 are old, but still they teach the concepts and basics,
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	165 which remained unchanged.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	166 Rose and Romine have written an excellent introduction on a more
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	167 technical level, with pointers to advanced usage.
209 1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	168 .[
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	169 rose romine real work
1b38b1c3c01d More refs to MH tutorials. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 208 diff changeset	170 .]
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	171 For a more recent document, it is strongly recommended to have
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	172 a look at the \fIMH Book\fP,
54 d9c18bd9ed92 Intro: Filled in the very basics for Using MH. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 53 diff changeset	173 .[ [
d9c18bd9ed92 Intro: Filled in the very basics for Using MH. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 53 diff changeset	174 peek mh book
d9c18bd9ed92 Intro: Filled in the very basics for Using MH. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 53 diff changeset	175 .], Part II]
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	176 especially at its online version.
27 b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	177 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	178 Following here is a sample mail handling session with mmh.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	179 Details might vary to MH and nmh but the look and feel is the same.
82 ff4537327162 Mayor rework: Replaced .DS with .VS, a better verbatim environment. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 57 diff changeset	180
202 e417f510aaca Reworked the MH example session. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 197 diff changeset	181 .so input/mh-session
27 b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	182
b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	183
131 7c741bc8f719 Reorganized: Converted 4-parted discussion into 3-parted discussion. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 128 diff changeset	184 .H1 "nmh
2 65e4327aa9f8 Added some introduction text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 0 diff changeset	185 .P
49 d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	186 In order to understand the condition, goals and dynamics of a project,
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	187 one needs to know the reasons behind them.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	188 This section gives background information.
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	189 .P
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	190 MH predates the Internet;
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	191 it comes from times before networking was universal;
49 d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	192 it comes from times when emailing was small, short and simple.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	193 Then, MH grew, spread and adapted to the changes email went through.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	194 Its core concepts, however, remained the same.
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	195 During the eighties, students at UCI actively worked on MH.
164 5c01017be420 Reacted to suggestions by Aaron Mueller. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 159 diff changeset	196 They added new features and optimized the code for the systems
5c01017be420 Reacted to suggestions by Aaron Mueller. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 159 diff changeset	197 popular at that time.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	198 This was in times before POSIX and ANSI C.
49 d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	199 As large parts of the code stem from this time, today's nmh source code
d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	200 still contains many ancient parts.
51 49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	201 BSD-specific code and constructs tailored for hardware of that time
49 d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	202 are frequent.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	203 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	204 Nmh started about one decade after the POSIX and ANSI C standards were
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	205 released.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	206 A more modern coding style entered the code base but still
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	207 a part of the developers were ``of the old type''.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	208 The developer base became more diverse,
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	209 thus broadening the range of different coding styles.
49 d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	210 Programming practices from different decades merged in the project.
51 49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	211 As several peers added code, the system became more a conglomeration
49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	212 of single tools rather than a homogeneous of-one-cast mail system.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	213 For that, leadership would have been necessary.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	214 Nevertheless, MH's basic concepts held the project together.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	215 They were mostly untouched throughout the years.
2 65e4327aa9f8 Added some introduction text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 0 diff changeset	216 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	217 Though clearly separated on the surface
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	218 \(en as a collection of small, separate programs \(en
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	219 the source code turns out to be fairly interwoven.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	220 Multiple separate components are compiled into a program
51 49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	221 for efficiency reasons.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	222 This leads to intricate innards.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	223 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	224 It is visible in nmh that
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	225 the advent of MIME raised the complexity of email by a magnitude.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	226 The MIME-related parts are the most complex ones.
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	227 It is also visible that MIME support was added on top of the old MH core.
51 49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	228 MH's tool chest style made this easily possible and encourages
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	229 such approaches, but unfortunately, it led to duplicated functions
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	230 and half-hearted implementation of concepts.
49 d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	231 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	232 To provide backward-compatibility, it is a common understanding
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	233 in the nmh community to not change the default settings.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	234 In consequence, users need to activate modern features explicitly
47 eae5e50381ce Rework in Preface and Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 45 diff changeset	235 to be able to use them.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	236 The ancient style in which fresh nmh setups remain to appear
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	237 causes difficulties for new users, as modern email features require
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	238 additional configuration.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	239 The small but mature community around nmh, however, needs little change
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	240 as they have had their convenient setups for decades.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	241
3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	242
27 b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	243 .H1 "mmh
28 6c63083b4c19 Wrote text for the Preface; changed headings in Preface and Introduction. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 27 diff changeset	244 .P
49 d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	245 I started to work on my experimental version in October 2011,
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	246 basing my work on nmh version \fInmh-1.3-dev\fP.
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	247 At that time no more than three commits were made to nmh
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	248 since the beginning of 2011, the latest one being
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	249 .Ci a01a41d031c796b526329a4170eb23f0ac93b949 ,
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	250 commited on 2011-04-13.
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	251 In December, when I announced my work in progress on the
01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	252 nmh-workers mailing list,
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	253 .[
51 49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	254 nmh-workers mmh announce December
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	255 .]
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	256 nmh's community became active, all of a sudden.
49 d3a02f5e63b3 Various rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	257 This movement was heavily pushed by Paul Vixie's ``edginess'' comment.
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	258 .[
af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	259 nmh-workers vixie edginess
af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	260 .]
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	261 After long years of stagnation, nmh became actively developed again.
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	262 Hence, while I was working on mmh, the community was working on nmh,
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	263 in parallel but unrelated.
28 6c63083b4c19 Wrote text for the Preface; changed headings in Preface and Introduction. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 27 diff changeset	264 .P
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	265 The name \fImmh\fP may stand for \fImodern mail handler\fP,
01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	266 because the project tries to modernize nmh.
01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	267 Personally however, I prefer to call mmh \fImeillo's mail handler\fP,
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	268 emphasizing that the project is my version of nmh,
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	269 following my visions and preferences.
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	270 (My login name is \fImeillo\fP.)
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	271 This project model was inspired by \fIdwm\fP,
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	272 .[
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	273 dwm website
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	274 .]
42 af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	275 which is Anselm Garbe's personal window manager \(en
af8c46461924 Rework and new text about mmh's name in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 39 diff changeset	276 targeted to satisfy Garbe's personal needs whenever conflicts appear.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	277 Dwm has retained its lean elegance and its focused character, whereas
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	278 its community-driven predecessor \fIwmii\fP
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	279 .[
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	280 wmii website
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	281 .]
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	282 had grown fat over time.
53 01d06ca2eb1b Rework based on comments by Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 51 diff changeset	283 The development of mmh should remain focused.
27 b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	284
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	285
27 b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	286 .U2 "Motivation
b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	287 .P
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	288 MH is the most important of very few email systems in a tool chest style.
51 49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	289 Tool chests are powerful because they can be perfectly automated and
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	290 extended.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	291 They allow the implementation of arbitrary kinds of front-ends
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	292 on top of the tool chest quickly and without internal knowledge.
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	293 Additionally, tool chests are easier to maintain than monolithic
43 c21ff903c71c New text on mmh in Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 42 diff changeset	294 programs.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	295 MH-like email tool chests should be kept alive as they fill a market
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	296 niche by providing conceptional elegance and unique scripting qualities.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	297 Mmh tries to create a modern and convenient entry point to MH-like
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	298 systems for new and interested users.
43 c21ff903c71c New text on mmh in Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 42 diff changeset	299 .P
51 49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	300 The mmh project is motivated by deficits of nmh and
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	301 by my wish for general changes.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	302 At the time the mmh project started, nmh had not yet adjusted to
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	303 modern emailing needs well enough.
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	304 The default setup was completely unusable for modern emailing.
7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	305 Too much setup work was required.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	306 Several modern features were already available,
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	307 but the community did not want to have them active by default.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	308 Mmh is my way to change this.
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	309 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	310 In my eyes, MH's concepts could be exploited better and
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	311 the style of the tools could be improved.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	312 Both would simplify and generalize the system, providing cleaner
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	313 interfaces and greater software leverage at the same time.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	314 Mmh is my way to demonstrate this.
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	315 .P
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	316 In providing multiple parts of the email system, nmh can hardly
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	317 compete with the large specialized projects that focus
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	318 on one of the components only.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	319 The situation could be improved by concentrating the development power
51 49cf68506b5d Spell checking. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 50 diff changeset	320 on the most unique part of MH and letting the user pick his preferred
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	321 set of other mail components.
7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	322 Today's pre-packaged software components encourage this model.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	323 Mmh is my way to provide this.
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	324 .P
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	325 It is worthwhile to fork nmh for the development of mmh,
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	326 because the two projects focus on different goals and differ in
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	327 fundamental questions.
106 3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	328 The nmh community's reluctance regarding change conflicts
3c4e5f0a7e7b Included (English language) corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 102 diff changeset	329 with my strong desire for it.
207 e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	330 .[
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	331 nmh-workers schnalke understanding nmh
e0e49a8bfbe8 Added refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 204 diff changeset	332 .]
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	333 In developing a separate experimental version, new approaches can
43 c21ff903c71c New text on mmh in Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 42 diff changeset	334 easily be tried out without the need to discuss changes beforehand.
c21ff903c71c New text on mmh in Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 42 diff changeset	335 In fact, revolutionary changes are hardly possible otherwise.
c21ff903c71c New text on mmh in Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 42 diff changeset	336 .P
117 97369a93ef39 Corrections by Kate. Again of high quality. :-) markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 107 diff changeset	337 The mmh project provides the basis on which the aforementioned
97369a93ef39 Corrections by Kate. Again of high quality. :-) markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 107 diff changeset	338 ideas can be implemented and demonstrated,
164 5c01017be420 Reacted to suggestions by Aaron Mueller. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 159 diff changeset	339 without the need to change the nmh project or its community.
43 c21ff903c71c New text on mmh in Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 42 diff changeset	340 Of course, the results of the mmh project shall improve nmh, in the end.
159 8b411125645d Corrections and improvements by Kate, Phil, Matou, Michi, Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 131 diff changeset	341 By no means it is my intent to work against the nmh project.
117 97369a93ef39 Corrections by Kate. Again of high quality. :-) markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 107 diff changeset	342
27 b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	343
b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	344 .U2 "Target Field
b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	345 .P
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	346 Any effort needs to be targeted towards a specific goal
7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	347 in order to be successful.
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	348 Therefore, a description of an imagined typical mmh user follows.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	349 Actually, as mmh is my personal version of MH,
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	350 this is sort of a description of myself.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	351 Developing software for one's own is a reliable way to produce software
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	352 that matches the user's desires.
45 7a33b5adb672 Rework in the Intro. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 43 diff changeset	353 .P
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	354 The target user of mmh likes Unix and its philosophy.
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	355 He appreciates to use programs that are conceptionally appealing.
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	356 He is familiar with the command line and enjoys its power.
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	357 He is capable of shell scripting and wants to improve his
27 b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	358 productivity by scripting the mail system.
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	359 He uses modern email features, such as attachments,
169 f4ffe121a0a2 Applied excellent suggestions and corrections by Kate. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 166 diff changeset	360 non-ASCII text, digital signatures and message encryption in a natural way.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	361 He is able to set up mail system components
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	362 and likes to pick the ones he prefers.
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	363 He has a reasonably modern operating system that complies to the
164 5c01017be420 Reacted to suggestions by Aaron Mueller. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 159 diff changeset	364 POSIX and ANSI C standards.
27 b687d151eed3 Reorganized the content in the Intro and added placeholders for missing parts. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 11 diff changeset	365 .P
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	366 The typical user invokes mmh commands directly in an interactive
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	367 shell session, even on workstations where graphical front-ends could
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	368 be added.
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	369 Likely, he runs his mail setup on a server machine,
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	370 to which he connects via ssh.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	371 He might automate mail processing with mmh tools
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	372 but definitely he uses the tools to build better tools.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	373 In any case, he wants to have the flexibility to change
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	374 his setup to suit his needs.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	375 .P
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	376 The typical mmh user is a programmer.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	377 He likes to, occasionally, make use of the opportunity of free software
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	378 by putting hands on and getting involved in software he uses.
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	379 In consequence, he likes small and clean code bases and cares for
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	380 code quality.
05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	381 In general, he believes that:
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	382 .BU
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	383 The elegance of source code is most important.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	384 .BU
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	385 Concepts are more important than concrete implementations.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	386 .BU
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	387 Code optimizations for anything but readability should be avoided.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	388 .BU
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	389 Removed code is debugged code.
48 d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	390 .BU
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	391 Having a lot of choice is bad.
8 3ef5449c1175 Moved text; wrote more text; removed ch02.roff. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 3 diff changeset	392
197 05a243dffaca Added refs to the Preface; splitted the bib. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 187 diff changeset	393
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	394 .U2 "Goals of the mmh Project
128 76c440261ebb s/stream-lining/streamlining/ markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 117 diff changeset	395 .IP "Streamlining
87 7d5b180de542 All kinds of rework plus new refs. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 83 diff changeset	396 Mmh should be stripped down to its core, which is the user agent (MUA).
117 97369a93ef39 Corrections by Kate. Again of high quality. :-) markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 107 diff changeset	397 The feature set should be distilled to the indispensable ones,
171 346ff7e201f5 Applied suggestions by Boris. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 169 diff changeset	398 effectively removing corner cases.
173 4c7db172fb59 Various corrections and improvements. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 171 diff changeset	399 Parts that do not add to the main task of being a conceptionally
187 5360f5fdb118 Added mail agent figure. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 181 diff changeset	400 appealing user agent should be removed.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	401 This includes the mail transfer and mail retrieval facilities.
48 d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	402 Choice should be reduced to the main options.
131 7c741bc8f719 Reorganized: Converted 4-parted discussion into 3-parted discussion. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 128 diff changeset	403 All tools should be tightly shaped.
48 d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	404 .IP "Modernizing
d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	405 Mmh's feature set needs to become more modern.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	406 Better support for attachments, digital signatures, and message
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	407 encryption should be added.
159 8b411125645d Corrections and improvements by Kate, Phil, Matou, Michi, Lydi. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 131 diff changeset	408 MIME support should be integrated deeper and more naturally.
48 d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	409 The modern email features need to be readily available, out-of-the-box.
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	410 On the other hand, obsolete facilities can be dropped out and
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	411 ancient technologies need not be further supported.
9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	412 The available concepts should be expanded as far as possible.
131 7c741bc8f719 Reorganized: Converted 4-parted discussion into 3-parted discussion. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 128 diff changeset	413 A small set of concepts should recur consistently.
7c741bc8f719 Reorganized: Converted 4-parted discussion into 3-parted discussion. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 128 diff changeset	414 .IP "Styling
212 9317d789cef9 Various improvements and rework. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 209 diff changeset	415 Mmh's source code should be updated to modern standards.
48 d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	416 Standardized library functions should replace non-standard versions
d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	417 whenever possible.
117 97369a93ef39 Corrections by Kate. Again of high quality. :-) markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 107 diff changeset	418 Code should be separated into distinct modules when feasible.
48 d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	419 Time and space optimizations should to be replaced by
d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	420 clear and readable code.
d28ff07dfc0f Rework in the Intro, with new text. markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 47 diff changeset	421 A uniform programming style should prevail.
117 97369a93ef39 Corrections by Kate. Again of high quality. :-) markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 107 diff changeset	422 The whole system should appear to be of-one-style;
97369a93ef39 Corrections by Kate. Again of high quality. :-) markus schnalke <meillo@marmaro.de> parents: 107 diff changeset	423 it should feel like being cast as one.

Mercurial > docs > master

annotate intro.roff @ 218:8be9e84be526