Add package to MELPA

[jgarte]

Just opening this issue to track adding copilot.el to MELPA.

@zerolfx

What do we have left to do?

[zerolfx]

I am planning to use the copilot-node-server NPM package (which is used by https://github.com/TerminalFi/LSP-copilot).

The primary tasks that must be completed are:

• Installing the NPM package on behalf of the user (in a similar manner to installing a language server in lsp-mode).
• Finding a method to check the current version and upgrade it if necessary.

Minor tasks include:

• Ensuring that current users can migrate to the new version
• Adding an open-source license
• Submitting the package to MELPA
• Adding CI for versioning, packaging, and other related tasks

[zerolfx]

There are a few potential issues to consider:

• npm becomes a new dependency.
• Some users may not want to install the npm package globally (though it is the default behavior of lsp-install-server).
• It can be challenging to check the current version of an installed NPM package.
• Setting up copilot.el requires additional steps due to these changes.

[rakotomandimby]

Node is already a dependency, which always embeds npm, AFAIK.

[zerolfx]

Node is already a dependency, which always embeds npm, AFAIK.

On Ubuntu and Arch, npm is not automatically installed when installing nodejs, as it's an optional dependency. But yes, we can assume npm is available if node is installed.

[jgarte]

If I were to package this for GNU Guix I would be patching this line to something like the following:

/gnu/store/gvwnkilh065b0sv9rr64xl50s0snjfl1-node-14.19.3/bin/node

Here is some discussion about copilot.el in GNU Guix:

https://issues.guix.gnu.org/62664#0

[github-actions]

This issue is stale because it has been open 30 days with no activity. Remove stale label or comment or this will be closed in 5 days.

[github-actions]

This issue was closed because it has been stalled for 5 days with no activity.

[artlogic]

@zerolfx I noticed this issue was closed and the item is crossed out in the readme. Does this mean there are no plans to add this package to MELPA?

[zerolfx]

@artlogic
(The item was crossed out in the readme a long while ago.)
I have no plans to add the package to MELPA. However, I welcome any contributions.

[sshaw]

Why is this not being distributing via Melpa, because of a Node.js dependency? Not clear but not using standard emacs distribution channels is a mistake. Many packages depended on 3rd-party executables.

[jgarte]

@zerolfx

You should consider @sshaw comment above. Putting this package on MELPA will increase wider adoption of copilot.el amongst other benefits. If you need help with packaging and submitting it just let me know and I can try to help out.

[zerolfx]

@sshaw @jgarte
Yes, it makes sense but I need help.

A few things to consider:

• Store target commit ID of copilot.vim in a variable.
• Prompt and auto-install binary files for new users.
• Prompt users to reinstall files in case of version mismatch.

Appreciate any assistance. Thank you!