The other day I was re-adding extras-testing and extras-devel on my N900 to the software catalog list, and I had left both of them enabled at the same time. I noticed there were software updates to apps I had already installed from extras...but since they were coming from testing/devel, I wasn't sure it was wise to do the update.
So here's my question then about this. How does everyone deal with the three repositories on their N900? Do you only enable one of them at a time and pull down only the package you're looking for? Or do you enable all 3 at the same time, possibly not knowing which catalog the apps are coming from when presented to you in a list.

What happens when say an app exists in extras, and also a different version exists in extras-testing, and yet another version might be in extras-devel? If more than one catalog is enabled, which one is shown to you? I don't think I've even seen apps "double-up" in the list. Maybe I haven't looked closely enough. If it does in fact only show one of them, which one takes precedence?

I have all enabled and I always install every update. Nothing has broke so far.

"What happens when say an app exists in extras, and also a different version exists in extras-testing, and yet another version might be in extras-devel? If more than one catalog is enabled, which one is shown to you?"

The newest version is shown. That's usually the one in extras-devel.

I would just like to say that after reading this forums this is not likely to be a general case scenario.. and it's highly dependent on the apps you use.

I think the *recommended* method is to leave extras-testing and devel disabled, and only enable them when you need something. If you're using software from extras-devel theres probably a thread on here about it.. wait until the OP posts that he released an update to go check.

And I'm pretty sure I've read people having all kinds of problems (especially rootfs related) if they did a mass update from extras-devel.

In case you haven't noticed this which I think is related to opening question http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=43141

I have Extras-testing enabled and Extras mostly disabled (things can only get in the latter via the former).

I only enable Extras-devel to test my own software and disable it straight after. Others may not have issues with "installing everything from Extras-devel" but I have had to support inexperienced users using very early versions of things like Catorise.

Howerver, by having Extras-testing enabled I accept the covenant to test, and vote on, software.