Toronto C++ Meeting

From: Beman Dawes (beman_at_[hidden])
Date: 2000-10-30 11:22:42

The C++ committee had a productive meeting in Toronto last week, finishing 
work on the first Technical Correction (TC) to the C++ Standard.

The committee also took the first administrative step toward starting work 
on an ISO Type 2 Technical Report on C++ Standard Library extensions.  This 
type of report is non-normative, so doesn't affect the current standard in 
any way.  Vendors are not required to support a TR.  But it is a clear 
statement of intent to include the extensions in the next standard, and 
gives the C++ community a firm set of specs for those who want to get 
started sooner rather than later.

Because the administrivia involved discussions and votes in both the 
library working group and the full committee, we can now see which way the 
wind is blowing.  Here is my unofficial take:

* The committee is committed to the continued stability of the current 
standard.  That's why the TR is going to be type 2 (non-normative), and why 
it only includes the library, not the language core.

* Schedule is still uncertain, but it will be six months to a year before 
substantial technical work starts.  Administrative groundwork will be done 
during that time.  Work on defect reports will continue.  The library 
working group will handle both defects and extensions, but will give 
priority to defect reports.

* To be considered for inclusion, a library extension is going to have to 
meet various currently undecided criteria, but that criteria will almost 
certainly include:

     -  A well-formed proposal with specific proposed text.

     -  Prior art; there should be existing practice.

     -  Proof of concept; there should be a reference implementation.

     -  Little or no negative impact on existing code.

Boost was specifically mentioned in the discussion as an example of the 
kind of libraries which would be considered.

--Beman