Re: [boost] Re: lexical_cast "Future directions"

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2002-12-29 17:26:11

"Early Ehlinger" <earlye_at_[hidden]> writes:

> [Sorry for the top-posted reply... OE is giving me fits...]
>
> This is an interesting argument.  In other words, lexical_cast is,
> by definition, conversion through a stream.  Therefore, one cannot
> expect a string with whitespace to exit as it went in.
>
> Perhaps what is really needed is a different pseudo-cast, e.g.,
> symantic_cast< >, which has different goals more in synch with what
> we are trying to accomplish, which is conversion from any type to
> another with minimized loss of symantic value.

This is the philosophy that Kevlin and I agreed on when lexical_cast
was first introduced.  However, I don't think it has stood the test of
time with real users, and it would be stupid to ignore that.  I
suspect Kevlin feels the same way about it, which is why he has agreed
to review the changes in the Files area.  I also suspect family and
work have been keeping him busy, which is why he hasn't done it yet
;-).

I'd love to stop speculating and hear from Kevlin himself, though ;-) ;-)

-Dave

-- 
                       David Abrahams
   dave_at_[hidden] * http://www.boost-consulting.com
Boost support, enhancements, training, and commercial distribution