Re: [boost] Customer Friendlier Boost Installation -- (Finally) Getting Started

From: Rob Stewart (stewart_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-06-21 15:11:24

From: David Abrahams <dave_at_[hidden]>
> Rob Stewart <stewart_at_[hidden]> writes:
> > From: David Abrahams <dave_at_[hidden]>
> >> "Hendrik Schober" <boost_at_[hidden]> writes:
> >> 
> >>   To prepare Unix tools such as GCC, the compiler and linker must be
> >
> > Rather than "Unix" consider "*nix" to be more inclusive.  Those
> > using a *nix OS will understand.  Those not using one won't care.
> 
> I have no objection.
> But I do want to know: what *nix OS is not a Unix OS?

Linux is a prime example.  "Unix" is a trade name that means
something very specific.  Not all Unix-like OSes are Unix.

> >>   <p> Note: the <b><code>#include</code> root</b> directory mentioned
> >
> > s/root/<i>root</i>
> 
> What is your rationale for suggesting that change?  
> 
> The only possible reason I can imagine is that you're worried people
> will think "root" is source code text.  But there's already a good
> hint: the change from code font.  I'm pretty sure we don't want to get
> into using bold-italic text without a very strong motivation.

I'm pretty sure that you used italics to indicate user-specific
information elsewhere.  (I'd had to go locate the previous
message and I don't have time at the moment.)  Since the root is
based upon where the user unpacks the archive or installs things,
it is based upon the user's system needs.  Note that I was
looking at the HTML source only, so your original may have been
fine anyway.

> >>   The default build and install attempts to build all available
> >>   libraries and install to default locations the libraries and Boost
> >>   header files.
> >
> > Now you're sounding a bit like Yoda.  
> 
> Yeah, I had a hard time with that one.
> 
> > How about this:
> >
> >    The default build and install attempts to build all available
>                                   ^--- "process"
Yes.

> >    libraries and install the libraries and header files to
> >    default locations.
> 
> I don't like the replication of "default," but I'm not sure how to
> improve it at this point.

   Change the second one to "standard?"

> >> Footnotes: 
> >> [1] Depending on your installation, a Unix compiler such as GCC may
> >>     have additional requirements. Check with your system administrator
> >>     if you're unsure about your installation.
> >
> > While correct, "you're unsure" is a bit awkward.  I suggest
> > expanding the contraction or replacing "unsure" with "not sure."
> 
> Doesn't seem awkward to me.  When do you feel "unsure" is unawkward?

It's not "unsure" alone that's the problem.  It's the
juxtaposition of "you're" and "unsure" that I was talking about.
Note that one of the suggestions was to expand the contraction.

-- 
Rob Stewart                           stewart_at_[hidden]
Software Engineer                     http://www.sig.com
Susquehanna International Group, LLP  using std::disclaimer;