Re: install.c: please set unlink_dest_before_opening=false

[Paul Eggert]

Jim Meyering <address@hidden> writes:

> Imagine we're installing a file that will serve as an access
> control list.  Depending on the layout/semantics of the file,
> letting processes use an incomplete copy might be
> equivalent to granting access to everyone.

Sure, but we have that problem now, right?  Currently "install FOO BAR"
unlinks BAR, then creates BAR as an incomplete copy; so if someone
reads BAR while we're installing it, we'll have trouble.

I'm not convinced we should change the current default behavior, but
it may well make sense to have another option (if someone wants to
implement it....).