David M. Lee wrote:
> In ARI, there's a convenience operations /channels/{id}/dial[1], which
> was provided as a simple way to dial and bridge in a single operation.
> I propose that we KILL IT DEAD. Right now. Before it's too late.
+infinite
> Firstly, we already have a method for originating new channels: POST
> /channels. Having two operations that effectively do the same thing is
> evidence of silliness.
>
> Secondly, as we see folks discussing how they think about ARI, it's
> not really a great fit. People love the idea that they can create
> their own bridges, and freely move channels into and out of them. The
> implicit bridge created in the dial operation gets in the way of that.
The /dial operation to me right now is effectively a mini-application
written into the API itself, which is why it saddens me.
> There is also a lot of hidden complexity that I believe will get
> exposed over time. As evidence, I present to you: The Dial dialplan
> application[2]. The number and combination of options on Dial are
> dizzying. All the possible scenarios of handling what might happen on
> the channel you have, the outgoing dial and the bridge combine into a
> big mess.
>
> Dealing with each of these individually in your application, however,
> is much cleaner. It gives the application developer more control over
> the process, and simplifies the interface.
>
> The one thing that we can think of that would be missing if we removed
> the /dial operation would be the ability to indicate ringing to the
> dialing channel. But I heard a rumor that someone might have a patch
> for this in the works (/me glances at file).
Yup! Currently working on this, along with some other functionality
which would facilitate things.
> So, thoughts? If we can provide the underlying originate, bridge and
> indicate operations that /dial is doing for you, is there any
> compelling reason to keep it around?
IMO no.
Cheers,
--
Joshua Colp
Digium, Inc. | Senior Software Developer
445 Jan Davis Drive NW - Huntsville, AL 35806 - USA
Check us out at: www.digium.com & www.asterisk.org
