[libgpiod][RFC] helper functions for basic use cases

[Kent Gibson <warthog618@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Bart,

I realise you want to keep libgpiod minimal, but in my latest survey of the
problems that new or potential users are finding with libgpiod the most
common one was that it is way too complicated to do simple things.
They just want to request an input or output line and play with it.
They think that should be an easy thing to do, and will completely write
off libgpiod because it is not - the learning curve is too steep.
And they have a point.

I've raised this before, but I think libgpiod is in need of a small (and I
emphasize small) set of helper functions to simplify basic use cases,
like just requesting a single input or output line.  Maybe functions to
control setting bias, edge detection and debounce on inputs (using
reconfigure after the initial request).
The functions would be separated from the existing functions by naming,
e.g. gpiod_helper_XXX, or some such, so there would be no confusion with
the existing.

Any chance your position has changed since last I asked?

Cheers,
Kent.