[boost] Re: Boost to the rescue

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-04-27 16:05:48

"JOAQUIN LOPEZ MU?Z" <joaquin_at_[hidden]> writes:

> ----- Mensaje original -----
> De: Robert Ramey <ramey_at_[hidden]>
> Fecha: Viernes, Abril 15, 2005 6:05 pm
> Asunto: [boost] Re: Boost to the rescue
>
>> 
>> I'm amazed to discover that in only ONE single case have any of the
>> programmers, managers, etc ever even heard of boost.  This group even
>> includes an ex head of the computer science department at a top tier
>> university !!!
>> 
>
> Speaking of which, I've got the nasty feeling that
> a good portion of the C++ programming community have
> heard of Boost but don't use it because:
>
> 1. It's too big.
> 2. It's too hard to install.
> 3. The docs are too technical.
> 4. They fear it's too "advanced" for them to understand it.
>
> I've actually read comments on programmer sites touching on
> every one of these issues. My opinion is that:
>
> * #1 is not that much of an issue in a world where
> people are happy to install a multimegabyte IDE and
> don't complain about it. When it comes to installing
> a library, somehow they measure size by a different
> standard.

I think they worry about interactions and "just how much foreign code
am I using, anyway?"  It's a perception thing, and it needs to be
addressed.

> * #2 is certainly a point, specially for Windows folks
> used to doubleclick on everything. Maybe it'd be a good
> idea to produce some graphical wizards (not necessarily
> as an official part of Boost) that automate the
> installation for at least the most commonly used
> platforms (read MS.) IMHO this would lower
> the entry barrier a lot.

Absolutely.

> * As for #3 and #4, I've got this idea round my head
> that Boost would benefit of a "community site" where
> people of various expertise levels could mingle
> together, post Boost-related articles, etc. Something
> like CodeProject or Gamedev, which have a less
> intimidating appearance than www.boost.org. Some months
> ago I asked for a Boost-related forum in CodeProject,
> to no avail :(

Something wrong with boost-users?

If so, I'd be happy to set up a forum at boost-consulting.com, if we
can decide on the right software.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
www.boost-consulting.com