[boost] Boost Library Guidelines

From: Paul A. Bristow (boost_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-04-25 10:12:21

I have been reading the Boost Library Requirements & Guidelines. (Gasps of
amazement?).

May I suggest that we add to

Aim for ISO Standard C++ ...

"Try to code so that  compiles with 'strict' compiler settings and try to code
avoiding 'extensions' as far as possible."

Although the defaults for MSVC 7.0, for example, is for warnings at level 3 and
allowing 'extensions', I believe it will reduce Fear Uncertainty and Doubt in
future if we try to use level 4 and no extensions.

I suspect that with a marginal extra effort on the part of authors, many Boost
library items could be free of warnings, even at level 4. In a number of cases I
have noted, a few static_casts would suffice.

Of course, this is not always possible.  In some cases a comment that some
warnings can be safely ignored would be reassuring.

Paul

Paul A Bristow, Prizet Farmhouse, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AB  UK
[phone]   Mobile [phone]
Mobile mailto:pabristow_at_[hidden]
mailto:pbristow_at_[hidden]