Re: [boost] [website] Proposal for new page - Libraries By Type

From: Aleksey Gurtovoy (agurtovoy_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-02-20 02:09:12

David Abrahams writes:
> Beth Jacobson <bethj_at_[hidden]> writes:
>
>> David Abrahams wrote:
>>> Aleksey Gurtovoy <agurtovoy_at_[hidden]> writes:
>>>>
>>>>All other issues aside, I find the "Cutting-Edge Libraries" group
>>>>ill-conceived and bordering on the edge of offensive (for the library
>>>>author).
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I agree, but I think we've all decided that category is going away
>>> (right?)
>>> 
>>
>> I thought the objections were to the original name (bleeding edge), 
>> which I changed to cutting edge to sound less experimental. 
>
> I didn't notice the change.  You're right that it sounds slightly less
> experimental, but it is reminiscent of and still suggests "bleeding
> edge."  More importantly, it's a misleading distinction for most
> people.  The description
>
>    #  If words like "generic" and "metaprogramming" get your blood
>       racing, this is the place for you. These libraries provide a
>       framework for trying out the latest programming techniques, and
>       like all Boost Libraries are stable enough for use in production
>       code. 
>
> basically is useful for the programmer who's looking at Boost as a
> learning experience, but is likely to put off the production
> programmer who doesn't want her blood racing.  The last bit doesn't
> provide much reassurance; it sounds defensive and unconvincing.  This
> category also suggests that anything you haven't put there is somehow
> less sophisticated.
>
> The whole idea of a "simple/advanced/cutting-edge" hierarchy doesn't
> seem to work, to me.  I'm looking at Boost.Random in the simple
> category, for example.  From my point of view, understanding what that
> library provides requires a deep understanding of numerical issues
> that's out of reach for most programmers.
>
> Is the parameter library "cutting edge?"  I think so.  Does using it
> require great sophistication?  No.  In fact, it belongs in the "C++
> Enhancements" category, because it provides, essentially, a language
> extension in library form.  As does lambda.

Exactly my sentiments.

-- 
Aleksey Gurtovoy
MetaCommunications Engineering