(tar .vs. cpio) : a question

[gwyn at BRL-VLD.ARPA]

From:      Doug Gwyn (VLD/VMB) <gwyn at BRL-VLD.ARPA>

Remember that UNIX devices insofar as possible fit a simple general
model, consistent with the simple model for files.  Programs like
"cpio" or "tar" are intended to be used more generally than just as
magtape archivers.  Making a device such as magtape behave differently
from other files would get in the way of UNIX file flexibility, which
is one of the things UNIX did right.

The "right" way to support multiple tape volumes on UNIX would be to
make the tape device driver take care of volume switching.  It is
quite difficult to do this in a reasonable way; many people have
thought about it and some have tried, with notable lack of success.