Re: [boost] boost dll versions

From: Martin Bonner (martin.bonner_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-08-16 08:55:11

----Original Message----
From: David Abrahams [mailto:dave_at_[hidden]]
Sent: 16 August 2005 14:19
To: boost_at_[hidden]
Subject: Re: [boost] boost dll versions

>> While the breadth of support has helped boost gain wide acceptance,
>> it is also the single biggest fault of the library as well.
> 
> ?? Breadth of support has many benefits and only a few costs, and most
> of those fall on the library maintainers.  Library users (ahem, like
> you) might pay for a slight reduction in velocity, but that's all.

No, there are two further costs that library users pay:
a) Features that are not implemented because they are too hard on older
compilers.
b) Features that use a less convenient syntax because supporting the more
convenient syntax is too hard on older compilers.
c) Features that are not implemented because the library maintainer has
spent her limited time on maintaining support for older compilers.

Having said that, it sure makes it easier to get buy-in to boost if it
doesn't involve a compiler upgrade!

-- 
Martin Bonner
Martin.Bonner_at_[hidden]
Pi Technology, Milton Hall, Ely Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB4 6WZ,
ENGLAND Tel: [phone]