per-branch configuration

[Robey Pointer]

Currently there are two incompatible ideas about how to store  
configuration (preferences) specific to a single branch.

1. Store in ~/.bazaar/branches.conf, away from the branch folder,  
using the folder name (like "/home/robey/code/bzr.dev") as the key  
identifying the branch.

Con: The branch configuration is invisibly tied to the folder on your  
disk, and if you move the branch folder, your config doesn't follow  
you.  This violates the principle of least surprise.

2. Store in .bzr/ inside the branch.

Con: Doing a "cp -a" or "zip -r" of the branch will also copy the  
configuration, which may be wrong if you want to use a different  
identity per branch.

(I'm not sure I captured the "con" of #2 correctly so please correct  
if there are other reasons.)


Today it occurred to me that maybe the issue could be sidestepped by  
using branches.conf, but keying by branch nickname instead of folder  
name.  Then the config isn't tied to the folder layout, and doing a  
"cp -a" only requires you to set a new branch nick to avoid using the  
same config.

What do you all think?

robey