Implement `tail --retry <FILE>` to keep trying to open the file <FILE>

[fitzgen]

From tail's man page:

       --retry
              keep trying to open a file if it is inaccessible

[mrmiywj]

Hi, I will pick this up.

[GaurangTandon]

Hi. I have done almost half of the code in direction of this issue. Here is the commit: GaurangTandon@6d165b0. This will also easily close #848. Some quick read on tail -f/F.

I am now at the critical juncture of deciding how to actually implement this functionality. I asked the question: Watch for file deletion and recreation and got an answer along two lines:

1. counting links on an open file object
2. using notify crate

I find it impossible to use the first method, because, as soon a BufReader is created for a File object, (line link), the actual file object is moved and no longer usable. I do not see a way out of this.

I wish to ask if the team has any reservations on using the external notify crate, or if they have any other suggestion on how to implement this.

Thank you.

[sylvestre]

I clearly prefer to rely on existing crates instead of reinventing the wheel.
The main constraints is that we have a requirement on Rust 1.32

[sylvestre]

Don't hesitate to submit a PR (even if this isn't ready, just use the draft mode)

[GaurangTandon]

I clearly prefer to rely on existing crates instead of reinventing the wheel.
The main constraints is that we have a requirement on Rust 1.32

Alright, sure, I'll see what can be done in the existing code itself, and update the PR in a day.

[stale]

This issue has been automatically marked as stale because it has not had recent activity. It will be closed if no further activity occurs. Thank you for your contributions.