Re: Git commit generation numbers

On Fri, Jul 15, 2011 at 03:48:07PM -0400, Jeff King wrote:

OK, so let's say we add generation headers to each commit. What happens
next? Are we going to convert algorithms that use timestamps to use
commit generations? How are we going to handle performance issues when
dealing with older parts of history that don't have generations?

Again, those are serious questions that need answered. I respect that
you think the lack of a generation header is a design decision that
should be corrected. As I said before, I'm not 100% sure I agree, but
nor do I completely disagree (and I think it largely boils down to a
philosophical distinction, which I think you will agree should take a
backseat to real, practical concerns). But it's not 2005, and we have a
ton of history without generation numbers. So adding them now is only
one piece of the puzzle.

What's your solution for the rest of it?

I just read some of your later emails to others in the thread. It seems
like your answer is "assume the timestamp-based limiting is good enough
for old history".

I'm OK with that. It obviously falls down in a few specific situations,
but certainly has not been an unbearable problem for the past 5 years.

-Peff