Re: [boost] 1.32 release preparation

From: Mathew Robertson (mathew.robertson_at_[hidden])
Date: 2004-06-24 23:25:00

> > To allow the autoconf tools (ie configure) to detect the presence of the various Boost libs and header file versions, would it be possible to add a C-linkage function to each libraries' source file(s).  This would allow users to add a configure check which detects if a particular library instance is installed.  For example, we add the following code to each library instance:
> > 
> >    extern "C" boost_autoconf() {}
> > 
> > This allows autoconf users to add a test to their configure.in script:
> > 
> >   AC_CHECK_LIB(boost_regex,boost_autoconf,...,[Boost::Regex library not found])
> 
> I don't see why you need a function with C linkage for this to work.
> The behavior of autoconf depends on the current language specified
> in configure.ac at the point where you call AC_CHECK_LIB. If that language
> is C++, you should well be able to test for functions with C++ linkage.
> See http://www.gnu.org/software/autoconf/manual/autoconf-2.57/html_chapter/autoconf_5.html#SEC43

Yeah - thats what I'm trying to do.  Specifically, I'm trying to detect if "libboost_regex..." is installed, so I have the following:

AC_CHECK_LIB(boost_regex-gcc,<somefunc>,,AC_ERROR([Must have the Boost::Regex library installed])

Now the problem is, 'What do I put in for <somefunc>?'   All other C++ libraries I have used, specifically contain a C-linkage function to allow configure to detect it.

regards,
Mathew Robertson