Re: [boost] Macros at namespace scope: trailing semicolon?

From: Paul Mensonides (pmenso57_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-07-14 15:28:32

> -----Original Message-----
> From: boost-bounces_at_[hidden] 
> [mailto:boost-bounces_at_[hidden]] On Behalf Of David Abrahams

> I am defining a macro, 
> 
>   BOOST_PARAMETER_KEYWORD(tag_namespace, name)
> 
> that declares a keyword for the Parameter library.  It has to 
> be used at namespace scope.  I have the option to define it 
> so that correct usage requires a trailing semicolon, or so 
> that the trailing semicolon is forbidden.  Unfortunately I 
> don't have the ability to make it optional.  Which should I choose?
> 
> IMO there's no chance of confusing it with a function call, 
> since a function call would be illegal in the context in 
> which it's used, and people are naturally more likely to add 
> a semicolon without thinking about it, and if I design the 
> macro so that a semicolon is required it will interact more 
> smoothly with editors and pretty-printers.  So I can't see 
> any good reason not to require the semicolon.  Arguments?

I'm against just about anything that attempts to make a macro invocation look
more like regular code.  This is nothing but a workaround for an editor (of all
things).  The macro invocation is not a declaration, it does not fit into the
syntax model of C++, and it should not be made to look like it does--regardless
of what it expands to.

Regards,
Paul Mensonides