The Gentoo Handbook has a section on Working with Portage, etc. However, while document explains *how* to use portage to update the packages on an installed system, it does not discuss *what to do* with key system packages that are SLOTted for which portage pulls in an update. For example, the kernel (gentoo-sources) or python are such packages. Since the handbook seems to be a thorough introduction to the system, and not just an installation guide, it should include a discussion on what will happen in common emerge update scenarios, and links to more detailed guides such as the kernel upgrade guide, and some documentation on what to do for python, etc. since these packages will definitely be installed. There will always be a need for more specialized documentation, but mentioning an essential system administration task like emerge update, without any real depth or pointers to a better discussion means there is some room for improvement.
(In reply to comment #0) > The Gentoo Handbook has a section on Working with Portage, etc. However, while > document explains *how* to use portage to update the packages on an installed > system, it does not discuss *what to do* with key system packages that are > SLOTted for which portage pulls in an update. For example, the kernel > (gentoo-sources) or python are such packages. > > Since the handbook seems to be a thorough introduction to the system, and not > just an installation guide, it should include a discussion on what will happen > in common emerge update scenarios, and links to more detailed guides such as > the kernel upgrade guide, and some documentation on what to do for python, etc. > since these packages will definitely be installed. > > There will always be a need for more specialized documentation, but mentioning > an essential system administration task like emerge update, without any real > depth or pointers to a better discussion means there is some room for > improvement. > Sure it does. Re-read the kernel upgrade guide; it talks about switching to new kernel sources after emerging them. Read the gnome-upgrading guide; that's one of the docs that talks about updating from old python versions to 2.4. (any recent new install will already be on 2.4, however). Go read the mysql slotted upgrade guide for learning about dealing with mysql upgrades. Read any of our upgrade guides: http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/?catid=upgrade to see all about these sysadmin tasks. I'd say you just haven't looked hard enough. :)
As stated above, we really do have a plethora of upgrade guides. That's where upgrade information should be placed, rather than discussing individual package updates in the Portage handbook. Every package has its own behavior (especially in regards to slotted upgrades), so that's why we cover those in their own docs. There is no one-size-fits-all or generic solution when it comes to upgrading.
