[boost] [boost.optional && boost.variant] Why can't we allow references?

From: Joel de Guzman (djowel_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-08-27 02:47:12

<< pardon me if this gets re-posted >>

Hi,

Is there a reason why we can't allow:

    optional<int&> opt;

Also, is there a reason why we can't allow:

    variant<int&, double&> var;

IIUC, internally, it's just a matter of storing a boost.reference_wrapper
if T is a reference.

In as much as tuple<int&> is allowed, I see no reason why optional
and variant can't allow references. 

Am I missing something?

TIA,
-- 
Joel de Guzman
http://www.boost-consulting.com
http://spirit.sf.net