const property_map<...>::const_type map; // or something similar.

   For all property maps, map = get(...) is a valid expression,
   regardless of whether your map is a ::type or ::const_type. By
   declaring it const, and then instantiating a template with the const
   pmap, you're going to run into problems - probably the problem you
   reported earlier.
 

Okay, so if I understand correctly I shouldn't use const prop maps with const_type at all?

It seems to me like a line such as the above should still theoretically compile. At least from the perspective of a concept check for Readability; this is by definition what const is meant to restrict objects to so in theory in should be allowable no? If I'm right it would be a compilation error caused by the underlying implementation. Either that or a debatable foible that should be documented? *shrug*.

I don't think you should be using const property maps at all - with type or const_type. For example:

/* 1 */ property_map<...>::const_type p;  // Good
/* 2 */ const property_map<...>::const_type p; // Bad

The const_type in 1 forces the p to operate on its underlying reference in a const way. Returing const references, no put() operation, etc. The leading const in 2 means that you can't write:

p = q; // Assuming q is type property_map<...>::type

It's a compiler error since p is not modifiable.

If you look at the concept definition in boost/property_map.hpp for ReadablePropertyMapConcept, you'll find, in the constraints() member, this line:

val = get(pmap, k)

So apparently, the concept definition actually requires that property maps are never const - which is admittedly a little weird.

Andrew Sutton
andrew.n.sutton@gmail.com