[boost] Re: C++ Template Metaprogramming

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2004-07-14 15:15:42

Rob Stewart <stewart_at_[hidden]> writes:

> From: David Abrahams <dave_at_[hidden]>
>> Mattias Flodin <flodin_at_[hidden]> writes:
>> > On Tue, 13 Jul 2004 20:50:02 -0400, David Abrahams
>> > <dave_at_[hidden]> wrote:
>> >> > As a customer seeing this book in the bookstore, however, I think I
>> >> > would have one question: Am I part of the target audience?
>> >> > Specifically, since it appears to be a book about MPL, does it have
>> >> > something for people who already use MPL
>
> I didn't read the description as indicating it was a book about
> MPL but rather as being about MP that covers MPL.  After all, MPL
> was hardly mentioned.

That's correct.  Maybe it should be mentioned more.  We do cover a
fair amount of MPL stuff, but the intention is not to be a glorified
MPL reference manual.

>> >> Several things, even!
>> >> 
>> >> > or is it mostly meant to introduce the library to people who aren't
>> >> > already using it. The "target audience" section doesn't answer that
>> >> > question; perhaps it should.
>> >> 
>> >> Do you think it matters all that much if it says so on the website,
>> >> considering that most people who are already familiar with MPL
>> >> will probably see this message?
>
> It wasn't obvious to me that the content in
> http://boost-consulting.com/mplbook/#the-work was not actually in
> the book.  That is, I took that content as being the preface, at
> least in some form.  I didn't make a distinction between the web
> site and the book.

Hum.  I don't know what should be done about that.  Certainly the
Book's actual preface is a lot more readable than the content of that
page.

>> > It mattered to me, but then again I have my answer now. ;-)
>> > As for others, I can only say what I already said: perhaps.
>> > In any case, I dont think the majority of MPL users also read the
>> > boost developer list.
>> 
>> Actually I should be clear: it's not so much a book about MPL as about
>> template metaprogramming in general.  I'd have thought the title of
>> the book and the text of the page would make that clear.  We do use
>
> They do.
>
>> MPL as a vehicle, so it gets fairly in-depth coverage.  If the page is
>> giving a different impression, we'd like suggestions about how to
>> change that.
>
> What isn't answered is the original question: for those already
> familiar with MPL, how much value will the book provide?  

I really thought I answered that by now.

> My guess is that it provides the philosophical and conceptual
> underpinnings that can remain fuzzy even with MPL familiarity and,
> consequently, it provides a lot of value to those users.

It should.  Though maybe you should be asking some of the existing MPL
users that reviewed the book.  Douglas Gregor, Joel de Guzman, Jeremy
Siek, Jaap Suter, and Daniel Wallin read all or part of the material.

> I look forward to getting my hands on a copy.

:-)

Be sure to pre-order your copy as soon as possible then ;-)

> -- 
> Rob Stewart                           stewart_at_[hidden]
> Software Engineer                     http://www.sig.com
> Susquehanna International Group, LLP  using std::disclaimer;
> _______________________________________________
> Unsubscribe & other changes: http://lists.boost.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/boost
>

"Jonathan Turkanis" <technews_at_[hidden]> writes:

> "Rob Stewart" <stewart_at_[hidden]> wrote in message
> news:200407141849.i6EInKF29719_at_tesh.systems.susq.com...
>
>>
>> It wasn't obvious to me that the content in
>> http://boost-consulting.com/mplbook/#the-work was not actually in
>> the book.  That is, I took that content as being the preface, at
>> least in some form.  I didn't make a distinction between the web
>> site and the book.
>
> FWIW, the web page seems perfectly clear to me.

Thanks.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
http://www.boost-consulting.com