new gentoo install - USE variables

[Duane Attaway]

On Sat, 1 Feb 2003, Brian Kelsay wrote:

> So the USE line is telling the system what packages to install?  I
> thought it was putting hooks or support in the kernel for these
> programs.

The USE flags are environment variables to be set when compiling your
packages.  Many packages use related features and can use each other's
services and that's where these USE flags are worth gold.  During the
package building, the installation scripts see these flag toggles and make
decisions to compile features, add patches, and configure setups
accordingly.  That USE string is a compact way to put most of your
preferences.  

Yes, the flags certainly has an effect on what is installed, but they are
nothing compared to your custom list of packages to install later.

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