[boost] Re: smart_ptr suggestion: smart_ptr.hpp should include weak_ptr.hpp,etc.

From: Chuck Messenger (chuckm_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-05-27 14:19:07

Peter Dimov wrote:
> Chuck Messenger wrote:
> 
>>For convenience, logical continuity, and consistency with other Boost
>>libraries, you should be able to include all the smart_ptr pieces with
>>
>>     #include <boost/smart_ptr.hpp>
>>
>>Currently, only 4 are included:
>>
>>     #include <boost/scoped_ptr.hpp>
>>     #include <boost/scoped_array.hpp>
>>     #include <boost/shared_ptr.hpp>
>>     #include <boost/shared_array.hpp>
>>
>>Missing are:
>>
>>     #include <boost/weak_ptr.hpp>
>>     #include <boost/intrusive_ptr.hpp>
>>     #include <boost/enable_shared_from_this.hpp>
>>
>>If the idea was to leave out rarely-used, specialized pieces, in order
>>to cut down on extraneous compile time, then I'd suggest that
>>weak_ptr.hpp needs to be included in smart_ptr.hpp -- it seems to me
>>to
>>be one of the essential, common components of the smart_ptr system.
> 
> 
> smart_ptr.hpp is only provided for backward compatibility. In an earlier
> version of Boost it contained the four scoped_* and shared_* class
> templates. New code should include the appropriate header files directly.

Certainly, getting rid of a partially-populated smart_ptr.hpp is better 
than keeping it.  But personally, I like the idea that every Boost 
library should supply a single "umbrella" include file which includes 
all the library's headers (no doubt with a handful of arcane 
exceptions).  It makes it much easier to use an unfamiliar library -- 
one less thing to grapple with!

    - Chuck Messenger