RE: [boost] Output Formatters

From: Reece Dunn (msclrhd_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-12-17 15:44:55

Paul A. Bristow wrote:

>| [mailto:boost-bounces_at_[hidden]]On Behalf Of Reece Dunn
>| Subject: [boost] Output Formatters
>|
>| 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
>
>Sorry if I am half blind/ inefficient with CVS, but I could not find this 
>^^^^^

Oops! The file is:
   boost-sandbox/libs/outfmt/example/serialize.cpp

>| I have several questions:
>|
>| [1] Is there a demand for input support of complex/sequential data types
>| from a stream?
>
>Yes, IMO.

Cool! I shall work on it, and let you know what I come up with.

>| [snip]

>| Aside from this addiion, do people feel that my library is ready for 
>review.

>Looks promising to me, but I can see that a 'merger' with serialization may
>prove attractive longer-term.

The problem is that my library is tied into the I/O stream library and is 
thus a text-based serialization system. For people who want efficient and/or 
binary serialization, you would need to go elsewhere.

As far as I can tell serialization libraries like Robert Ramey's are not 
built into the C++ I/O library (for efficiency). I may be wrong on this, and 
will check up on it.

My feeling is that serialization will split into text-based systems that are 
tied into the I/O stream library (like my library) and binary-based systems 
that aren't.

Regards,
Reece H Dunn

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