[boost] Defining compilers suggestion

From: Edward Diener (eddielee_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-07-10 05:45:28

It would be much easier, and less confusing, when looking at compiler 
workarounds in Boost code if their were defines for various 
compilers/versions in a configuratiion header file such as:

#define BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER_LOWER (PREPROCESSOR_TAG >= nnnn)
#define BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER_UPPER (PREPROCESSOR_TAG <= nnnn)
#define BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER (BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER_LOWER 
&& BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER_UPPER)

where SOME_COMPILER might be VC71,GCC40 etc.

Then in code one could see:

#if defined(BOOST_COMPILER_VC71) etc.

rather than the less understandable

#if defined(MSC_VER == nnnn) etc.

I would just like to see more readability in the Boost code regarding 
compiler workarounds. I am also aware their is a workaround macro, but 
even that deals in compiler preprocessor tags rather than a more 
readable compiler version. I am aware that many workarounds have to deal 
with versions before or after a certain version number but even that can 
be made more readable by macros which tell one the actual compiler which 
is involved.

I realize I am just a reader of Boost code and not a Boost developer but 
I think this suggestion would make for a little more readable code in 
its own small way.