Re: guix system: error: service 'ssh-daemon' requires 'networking', which is undefined

[ludo@gnu.org (Ludovic Courtès)]

Vincent Legoll <vincent.legoll@gmail.com> skribis:

>> From a regular user's point of view, this still misses the point,
>> which I originally attempted to make. I suggest an error message like
>> this:
>>
>> 'ssh-daemon' requires 'networking', try adding
>> 'static-networking-service' or 'dhcp-client-service' to system
>> services
>>
>> Or something like that. The point is, make it clear that "requires
>> networking" means adding at least one service to the operating
>> system's services and make at least one suggestion. Definitely a step
>> forward to user friendliness.
>
> I concur, from a simple end-user, sometimes guix error messages are
> at best cryptic. It looks like the messages are expecting the user to be
> an experienced scheme coder. If guix wants to get more users, that
> experience should be enhanced.
>
> Backtraces are great for debugging, not as user interface.

Examples please!  :-)

I think we agree on the goal.  Guix is rarely supposed to show
backtraces; when it does, it may be a bug that needs to be reported and
fixed.  The fresh eye of new users is invaluable in pinpointing such
problems!

Thanks,
Ludo’.