[Bug-hyperbole] GNU hyperbole build system

[Claudio Fontana]

Hello,

I am writing you about the GNU Hyperbole project,
as part of my effort to help GNU projects provide a better, more
consistent build system.

Currently, your project provides a build system that is not compatible
with GNU policies (as described in the GNU coding standards, and with
technical references in the autotools manuals)

Often it is very easy to adapt a custom build system to satisfy GNU
policies requirements.

For example, in this case, at least a minimal configure script should
be provided: it should recognize at the very least the --help, 
and the --prefix options.
The script should produce the final Makefile from a template, which
can be easily adapted from the current Makefile.

At the end of the day, users and programs should be able to build and
install the package running:

$ ./configure [--prefix=]
$ make
$ make install [DESTDIR=]

DESTDIR support is marked as optional in the GNU coding standards,
but in my opinion, DESTDIR can be very helpful for the user, the
distribution-specific packagers and third-party programs, because it
offers a consistent and portable way to perform staged installations.

Some links for additional information:

GNU Coding Standards [the only one which is really a necessary read]
http://www.gnu.org/prep/standards/

GNU autoconf manual [could help]
http://www.gnu.org/software/autoconf/manual/autoconf-2.57/html_mono/autoconf.html

GNU make manual [could help]
http://www.gnu.org/software/make/

GNU automake manual [could help]
http://www.gnu.org/software/automake/manual/

In each case, please contact me at this address <address@hidden>
to provide your feedback about this issue.
I am ready to offer you information, help and support.

Thank you for your help in making GNU projects build systems better.

Claudio Fontana