Added a FAQ list.

diff --git a/README b/README
index d2446ab..fe6bd73 100644 (file)
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 This directory contains the Bison parser generator.
 
 See the file INSTALL for compilation and installation instructions.
+See the file doc/FAQ for frequently asked questions.
 
 It was once true that, when installing Bison on Sequent (or Pyramid?)
 systems, you had to be in the Berkeley universe.  This may no longer

diff --git a/doc/FAQ b/doc/FAQ
new file mode 100644 (file)
index 0000000..5dbd665
--- /dev/null
+++ b/doc/FAQ
@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+Frequently Asked Questions about Bison:
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Q1.  Is Bison Y2K compliant?
+
+A1.  If you're looking for a guarantee or certification, I can't
+     provide it.  With a little thought you can answer this one for
+     yourself, though.  (Hint: does a parser generator rely on the
+     date or time for anything?)  If you're still confused, see
+     http://www.gnu.org/software/year2000.html for more information.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Q2.  I'm having trouble using Bison.  Where can I find help?
+
+A2.  First, read the fine manual which comes with bison.  Beyond that,
+     you can send mail to <help-bison@gnu.org>.  This mailing list is
+     intended to be populated with people who are willing to answer
+     questions about using and installing Bison.  Please keep in mind
+     that (most of) the people on the list have aspects of their lives
+     which are not related to Bison (!), so you may not receive an
+     answer to your question right away.  This can be frustrating, but
+     please try not to honk them off; remember that any help they
+     provide is purely voluntary and out of the kindness of their
+     hearts.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Q3.  I found a bug.  What should I include in the bug report?
+
+A3.  Before you send a bug report, make sure you are using the latest
+     version.  Check ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/bison/ or one of its
+     mirrors.  Be sure to include the version number in your bug
+     report.  If the bug is present in the latest version but not in a
+     previous version, try to determine the most recent version which
+     did not contain the bug.
+
+     If the bug is parser-related, you should include the smallest
+     grammar you can which demonstrates the bug.  The smaller and
+     simpler the grammar, the easier it will be to fix the bug.
+
+     Include information about your compilation environment, including
+     your operating system's name and version and your compiler's name
+     and version.  If you have trouble compiling, you should also
+     include a transcript of the build session, starting with the
+     invocation of `configure'.  Depending on the nature of the bug,
+     you may be asked to send additional files as well (such as
+     `config.h' or `config.cache').
+
+     Patches are most welcome, but not required.  That is, do not
+     hesitate to send a bug report just because you can not provide a
+     fix.
+
+     Send bug reports to <bug-bison@gnu.org>.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Q4.  Will Bison ever have C++ support?
+
+A4.  Yes, it's in the works.  I will need beta testers, however (and
+     people haven't exactly been lining up for the task).  When this
+     feature is ready to be tested, it will be announced on the
+     bug-bison mailing list.  If you're interested in testing C++
+     support when it becomes available, please consider subscribing to
+     the list, especially if you are willing to beta test other
+     releases as well.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Q5.  What is involved in being a beta tester?
+
+A5.  It's not terribly involved.  Basically, you would download a test
+     release, compile it, and use it to build and run a parser or two.
+     After that, you would either submit a bug report or a message
+     saying that everything is okay.  It is important to report
+     successes as well as failures because test releases eventually
+     become mainstream releases, but only if they are adequately
+     tested.  If no one tests, development is essentially halted.
+
+     Beta testers are particularly needed for operating systems to
+     which I do not have access.  I currently have easy access to
+     Linux (x86 glibc 2.1), Solaris (SPARC) 2.6 and 2.7, and HP-UX
+     10.20.  Reports about other operating systems are especially
+     welcome.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Q6.  How do I join the help-bison and bug-bison mailing lists?
+
+A6.  See http://www.gnu.org/ (the section about "GNU mailing lists")
+     for more information.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------

diff --git a/doc/Makefile.am b/doc/Makefile.am
index 0e92ad2..6aac416 100644 (file)
--- a/doc/Makefile.am
+++ b/doc/Makefile.am
@@ -4,4 +4,4 @@ AUTOMAKE_OPTIONS = 1.4
 info_TEXINFOS = bison.texinfo
 man_MANS = bison.1
 
-EXTRA_DIST = bison.1 bison.rnh
+EXTRA_DIST = FAQ bison.1 bison.rnh