Re: [boost] Metaprogramming observations

From: Peter Dimov (pdimov_at_[hidden])
Date: 2001-12-15 12:32:26

From: "David Abrahams" <david.abrahams_at_[hidden]>
> From: "Peter Dimov" <pdimov_at_[hidden]>
>
> > In contrast, Lisp builds everything out of pairs; its only data
structure
> is
> > the binary tree. A Lisp tree is nearly always a slist; nevertheless,
> > sometimes a binary tree is a better fit for the concept being modeled.
>
> But not strictly, right? AFAIK every "real" Lisp implementation has
vectors
> and other data structures which are implemented differently.

Yes, I meant the 'academic' Lisp 6x.

"Real" Lisp-based languages have extensions which are needed by "real"
programs. A pure language without side effects isn't very useful. :-)

However our particular domain (compile-time metaprogramming) is very close
to the "ideal", academic pure functional language, since the "impure", "real
world" features are more than adequately implemented by the traditional C++.
So it makes sense to base a compile-time metaprogramming library on
"classic" Lisp.

--
Peter Dimov
Multi Media Ltd.