[boost] Output Formatters

From: Reece Dunn (msclrhd_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-12-17 10:34:19

There has been recent discussion about the similarity between serialization 
and display. In response to this I have implemented an experimental data 
input mechanism for text-based systems in my library:
   boost-sandbox/libs/example/serialize.cpp

If you want binary input/output or better input performance, you should use 
a serialization library as has been discussed elsewhere.

I have several questions:

[1] Is there a demand for input support of complex/sequential data types 
from a stream?

[2] What are peoples views on my implementation? Should I continue?

[3] Is there a need for better exception/error information from a failed 
input operation -- incompatible data types; size of list not supplied; data 
type to small to fit the data; etc.?

[4] When implementing an input operation on a stream, it is advised/required 
you should not modify the object passed to it unless the operation succeeds. 
My feeling on this is that it would lead to inefficiencies (i.e. excessive 
copying). I want to construct the object on the fly, leaving a partially 
constructed object on failure, to improve efficiency. I will strongly 
document this deviated behaviour, but what do other people feel about this?

Documentation will be provided if there is interest in this addition.

Aside from this addiion, do people feel that my library is ready for review. 
I intend to produce tutorials to compliment the documentation, but apart 
from that, is there anything lacking?

Regards,
Reece H Dunn

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