[boost] Re: Meta function variants of mpl::apply_if neccesary?

From: Jaap Suter (J.Suter_at_[hidden])
Date: 2002-09-19 09:48:46

> Other Functions such as with if_ and apply_if you often do
> not want both branches fully instanciated. mpl has chosen the least
abstract
> form which will offer the least suprise to newcommers.

I disagree. If the MPL documentation would mention the runtime
analogy where parameters are evaluated when they are
called, everything would be much clearer. In fact, the
if_ and apply_if difference can dissapear then so things would
become easier even.

And even you think it's harder to learn, remember the target
audience of the MPL. We have those that actually use it and need
the best tools to do so, and we have those that have a
slight 'newcommer' interest and need to have easy acces. Of
course, if we can satisfy both it would be best, but if I have to make
a choice I'd choose power over ease of use any day.

Then again, I'd love a policy based smartpointer as well, but Boost still
holds off to that for the same argument....

> The downside is that as you become a more advanced user...

Thanks for the compliment :) hehe. j/k

Cheers,

Jaap Suter