Re: Terminology: "exit" versus "quit"

[Shaun McCance <shaunm gnome org>]

On Tue, 2008-07-01 at 13:06 -0500, Shaun McCance wrote:
> On Tue, 2008-07-01 at 15:08 +0100, Calum Benson wrote:
> > On 1 Jul 2008, at 03:22, Leonardo F. Fontenelle wrote:
> > 
> > > Is there any difference between "exit" and "quit" in GNOME  
> > > terminology?
> > >
> > > Currently in Brazil we are translating both "exit" and "quit" as the
> > > same "sair". I just wanted to be sure we're doing the right thing.
> > 
> > If you mean in GUI labels, applications shouldn't be using "Exit",  
> > only "Quit".  So please file bugs against applications that are using  
> > "Exit" :)
> > 
> > If you mean in user documentation, the GDSG currently suggests a  
> > slight difference, although I'm not sure it's not one I agree with:
> > 
> > exit
> > Definition: To stop an application from running. Exit implies normal  
> > cessation of application activity.
> > Usage: Normal text rules.
> > Tags: Prose tag rules.
> > Example: If you close the last window, the application exits.
> > Note: See also quit.
> > 
> > quit
> > Definition: To abruptly stop an application, without necessarily  
> > completing current tasks. Quit implies a sudden or unexpected  
> > cessation of activity.
> > Usage: Normal text rules.
> > Tags: Prose tag rules.
> > Example: To quit the application without saving your current project,  
> > select Ctrl+Q.
> > Note: See also exit.
> 
> I think that distinction is pretty obtuse, and people
> won't bother trying to wrap their brains around it to
> follow it.  If I get the terminology revamp restarted,
> I'll recommend axing this recommendation.

And after going through Gabor's list, I think I'd instead
make the distinction that quitting is what the user does
and exiting is what the program does.

When you quit an application, the application exits.

Does that make sense?

--
Shaun