Re: [boost] Benefit/Complexity ratio in libraries [was MPLcontainers and algorithms]

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2002-08-19 14:51:27

From: "Peter Dimov" <pdimov_at_[hidden]>

> From: "Beman Dawes" <bdawes_at_[hidden]>
> >
> > There are cases where having two ways of doing something makes no
> > sense.  But we shouldn't reject it out-of-hand.  I hope the acceptance
of
> > MPL by Boost won't discourage others from submitting a more minimalist
> > library.
>
> How many alternative libraries have been submitted for a topic that is
> already covered by a Boost library?
>
> This is a roundabout way to say that it _will_ discourage others. I say
> nothing about this being good or bad, and nothing about MPL in
particular.
> It's just that "competition" within Boost is virtually nonexistant.

I think what Peter says is true. I'm not sure whether it's a bad thing
overall; there are plenty of technical forums which are
"competition-oriented". At Boost we've traditionally been more
"collaboration-oriented". I'm sure that we miss a few good things that can
happen in a competition-oriented group, but I also we have produced some
great collaborations the likes of which I haven't seen elsewhere. Is there
a way to encourage competition that brings benefits, yet preserves our
collaborative spirit? Interesting question...

-----------------------------------------------------------
           David Abrahams * Boost Consulting
dave_at_[hidden] * http://www.boost-consulting.com