[Dovecot] An unconstructive grumble

[/dev/rob0]

On Mon, Jun 03, 2013 at 05:10:35PM +0200, Simon B wrote:
> On 3 Jun 2013 16:49, "/dev/rob0" <rob0 at gmx.co.uk> wrote:
> > On Mon, Jun 03, 2013 at 06:23:09AM -0700, dd wrote:
> > >
> > > 3 virtual users.  All I want is a username and password to
> > > access my email.
> >
> > ... you complicated things by wanting virtual users. System
> > users would have been much simpler to set up. Also, you
> > missed the fact that virtual users should have a $HOME
> > directory just like system users:
> 
> I've never understood this antipathy to virtual users.  But your 
> knowledge is greater than mine :)

My antipathy? I have none. Virtual users are ideal in certain 
circumstances. They are NOT ideal for people who are just starting 
out and have no idea how all the pieces fit and work together. That 
way lies frustration and madness (and if you noticed, a very high 
percentage of the questions we see on this list.)

I started out with system users, and I learned how it all works. 
Taking it a piece at a time is always best when starting into 
unfamiliar territory.

> > http://wiki2.dovecot.org/VirtualUsers
> > http://wiki2.dovecot.org/VirtualUsers/Home
> 
> I sort of see why for legacy reasons a $home directory might once 
> have been needed.  But surely however you word it all you're doing 
> is telling the server where to put the mails, the structure you 
> want and the format of the files.  3 variables...

No, there are other files kept in the $HOME. Quoting the link:

"
Some uses for home directory are:

-   By default Sieve scripts are in user's home directory.
-   Duplicate mail check database is in user's home directory.
    Suppression of duplicate rejects/vacations won't work if
    home directory isn't specified.
-   Debugging: If an imap or pop3 process crashes, the core file
    is written to the user's home directory.
"
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