Re: [boost] Review : format2, yet another 'printf class'

From: Peter Dimov (pdimov_at_[hidden])
Date: 2001-07-01 11:03:11

From: "David Abrahams" <david.abrahams_at_[hidden]>

> From: "Peter Dimov" <pdimov_at_[hidden]>
>
> > format(" $1 $2 $3", x, y, z) is the C++ way to do things.
>
> Really, anything printf-like is not the C++ way, at least not today. The
> above looks to me very much like the 'C' way to do things.

Wasn't this the point? To capitalize on printf's strengths while eliminating
its weaknesses?

> Surely also stringing arguments to be formatted together with operators
/is/
> the C++ way.
>
> Modern C++ often involves inventing new syntax, and where neccessary to
> avoid problems like the 2^n explosions and argument count limitations
> described earlier, it's a good thing.

Inventing a new syntax isn't inherently a bad thing. It's simply that I feel
that a collection of libraries that is aiming to become part of the standard
library has to maintain consistency. Different authors will have different
pet languages and favor different syntax.

The 2^n explosion is not a problem here, I believe. Rarely does printing a
thing change that thing. :-)

--
Peter Dimov
Multi Media Ltd.