Tcl Meetup 2022-07-12

Topics
   * TIP 430 / zipfs - spec/design issues, implementation vs spec, impl. issues, ...
   ** zipfs use cases
   *** Tcl and Tk initialisation
   *** applications code and data in a single file (i.e. starkits)
   *** stand-alone application executables (i.e. starkit + tcl = starpack)
   *** extensions / packages (e.g. a tcllib starkit)
   *** starlib (tcl/tk in a library for use by other languages and apps)
   ** discussion on role of zipfs in Tcl library initialisation vs application initialisation?
   *** should we be considering xvfs for Tcl library initialisation and zipkits for applications?
   ** problems with implementation
   *** "zipfs tcl_library" doesn't appear to be implemented
   *** adding a main.tcl seems leads to a message "application-specific initialization failed: Can't find a usable init.tcl in the following directories: ..."
   ** problems with documentation
   *** where is it documented that "configure --disable-shared" creates a single file executable?
   *** need better instructions and examples for creating zipkits 
   ** zipfs commands for supporting zipkit generation e.g. Jan's suggested "zipfs mkimg" adaption such that if the exe already has a zip-file attached, it will just add the new entries with the existing ones.
   * tcllib - how can we make it more visible?
   ** reference range command discussion vs tcllib generator
   ** lots of good stuff, often invisible
   ** distribute with core or via core download page - zipkit?
   ** all or curated modules? not everything is generally useful but much is - e.g. math, set, etc
   * [tcc4tcl] upgrade [https://github.com/tcllab/tcc4tcl]

current status of 430
   * mostly works (except for running a zipfile)
   * documentation could be improved
   ** user docs vs TIP .. need to reconcile
   ** need more "howto" and examples
   * at least command not implement - tcl_library
   * clarify
   ** is zipfs command available when tclsh built with --enable-zipfs disabled
   ** can non-zipfs tclsh run application zip
   ** state of Tk support

follow up TIP(s) to address application support
   * commands to build "starpack"
   * running a zipfile containing an application vfs
   * add library folder to auto_path (and tm support)
   * [source] a zipfile adds a /library folder as well
   * look for main.tcl and source
   * what can we do about virus scanners and binary extensions?
   * if and how we can sign these (Authenticode / Apple)


Scott G how does a newbie get started?
   * need a way to identify commonly useful extensions?
   * the general parts of tcllib + tk + tklib + other stuff from existing distributions
   * all available via the single downloads page
   * equivalent of "pip install" ?