Boost.Build plans

From: Beman Dawes (bdawes_at_[hidden])
Date: 2001-07-11 15:05:35

Dave Abrahams and I had a discussion yesterday, and agreed that Boost.Build 
is about ready for prime time.  The key components have been stable for a 
while now, and it is time to make the build system available to Boost 
users.

Boost.Build is essentially an installation aid, doesn't impact actual 
library code, and can be ignored by users who prefer some other build 
approach.  Thus we don't see it as needing a formal review, and unless 
others think differently, we are planning to start integrating it into the 
site.

Here is my tentative task list for integrating Boost.Build into the next 
Boost release, together with who has volunteered to carry out the task:

*  Merge the current branch code into the main trunk.  It is currently in a 
top level directory named "build".  Dave and I talked about adding a 
"tools" top level directory, with "build" a sub-directory, allowing for 
easy addition of other tools at a latter date. [Dave]

*  Add end-user level documentation.  Dave has already written docs for the 
build system itself, but that is primarily for those who need detail 
understanding.  The current "Download" page (and any other related pages 
like "More") need to be updated with simple task-oriented "how to do a 
build" end-user instructions, including about Jam itself. [Beman]

*  Toolset description files (i.e. compiler configuration files) need to be 
developed for more compilers.  Toolsets are currently available for 
Borland, GCC, GCC-STLport, Metrowerks, and Microsoft compilers. [Volunteers 
needed]

*  Beta test.  Once the above tasks are complete, we will need volunteers 
to take a test drive, and report both technical and documentation 
problems.  [Volunteers will be needed once "how to do a build" web page 
updates complete.]

*  Follow up on bug reports and make adjustments in light of experience. 
[Dave]

*  Convert the current regression test system to Boost.Build.  (This isn't 
required to release Boost.Build for library build use.) [Dave and others]

Comments?  Have I forgotten anything important?

--Beman