[linux-distros-dev] Changelog plugin

[Phil Muldoon <pmuldoon@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,

Somewhat odd timing, but after a long hiatus from the Changelog plug-in 
I've decided to work on it on a semi-active role.  I've been working on 
the the Frysk project for quite some time, but every programmer needs 
another hobby sub-project.

When I left the Changelog plug in in the state it was, and before Kyu 
made the excellent changes that he did, one of the areas I was most 
dissatisfied with was the the Formatter rules and extension points. 
Roughshod, and first bore the design was, to say the least. As it is 
right now, the only formatter that exists is the GNU Changelog 
formatter. This seems to be the most popular. And ultimately as it was 
GNU projects I worked on at the time, it was that formatter I wrote with 
little consideration beyond adhoc extension points I published. However 
down through the years one of the most often request feature I received 
from feedback was a: "formatter for X tool, or project". This required 
expert knowledge of the Changelog code itself, and did not lend itself 
to expansion.

So I wish to propose a formatter rewrite and a rehash of the rules 
associated with this. Before I do so, are there any specific formats to 
take in mind? I have the CDT project, XML Changelogs in mind. This might 
not be the widest audience out there, but the fiercest, and most complex 
section of the Changelog code ix the formatter - especially it seems 
with the GNU format. People get annoyed when the formatter (ie rules for 
maintenance boundaries, function guesses and so on) incorrectly produce 
an incorrect Changelog. ;)

Any ideas of projects, or any other suggestions would be welcome.

Regards

Phil