Re: [boost] What is Boost?

From: Rob Stewart (stewart_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-09-28 15:46:52

From: David Abrahams <dave_at_[hidden]>
> 
> We really need a section at the top of the page titled "What is Boost?"
> that covers something like the following:
> 
> * Boost is a collection of C++ libraries
>   - Free for any use
>   - Extensively peer-reviewed
>   - Extensively Tested

Those are fine as bullets.  I suggest that each one be a link to
an appropriate explanatory page.  The first can link to the
license page, the second to the review process page, and the last
to the test process page.

> * When you download Boost, you get the whole collection

As others have said, this should be on another page.  I can see
having a page that discusses library organization, directory
structure, header-only design, bcp, etc.  A bullet, in the above
list, could point to that page with, "Easy to integrate into your
development environment," if you like.

> * There are some dependencies among libraries, but they are not
>   tightly coupled

That's good, but I'm not sure whether you need to say that to the
newcomer.  At least shorten it to, "Low inter-library coupling,"
and put it in the bulleted list above.

> * There is a tool (bcp) for extracting the parts you want and their
>   dependencies.

Put this elsewhere.

> * Many boost libraries can be used just by putting the library
>   collection's top directory in your #include path. Complete
>   instructions for getting started are at: ___

Covered above.  This should not be on the home page.

> * The important features of the Boost directory structure are:
>   - boost
>   - libs
>   - more
>   - tools
>   (with rough descriptions of each)

See above.  I don't think this should be on the home page.

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