Re: [boost] Formal review: Optional library

From: Joel de Guzman (djowel_at_[hidden])
Date: 2002-12-11 16:13:26

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Fernando Cacciola" <fernando_cacciola_at_[hidden]>

> > And my point, again, is that you can easily add an *easier* API
> > that does exactly like your optional API *over* the variant. My
> > concern is primarily about redundancy of code. I don't see any
> > reason why the optional and the variant can't share the same
> > underlying infrastructure.
> >
> Aha!
> You just meant that optional<>, with a given interface, could be implemented
> on top of variant_t<T,nil_t>?
> Yes, definitely.
> In fact, if optional<> is accepted, when we have variant<>, it is quite
> likely that I do just that.

Exactly. 

You might have missed it but I actually voted "yes" for acceptance.
I have needs for the variant (Hey variant guys where are you?)
and your optional class might fill that need now. I'm sure Doug 
knows why :-)

As an aside, you might want to consider continuing and actually 
implementing a variant (at least to awaken the variant guys, or 
maybe not if you get there first). I think that will be a logical next-step 
to take. 

See http://www.crystalclearsoftware.com/cgi-bin/boost_wiki/wiki.pl?Variant

Cheers,
Joel de Guzman
joel_at_[hidden]
http://www.boost-consulting.com