Re: [boost] Signals and slots requiring linkage

From: Ulrich Eckhardt (doomster_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-05-18 17:37:03

On Friday 18 May 2007 23:27:21 Gottlob Frege wrote:
> On 5/18/07, Ulrich Eckhardt <doomster_at_[hidden]> wrote:
> > Attached is a file. Copy it to the boost/signals folder and include it
> > from exactly one translation unit of your program. All it does is make an
> > on-demand compiled, statically linked library.
> >
> > <link_inplace.hpp>
>
> That's an interesting solution.  Better than having boost optionally
> include code into the headers via #ifdefs (which I've heard
> suggested).  IMO, at least.
>
> Now, why not just make it a cpp that I build directly (or drop into my
> IDE project directly) instead of an hpp that I need to #include into a
> (probably) otherwise blank cpp of my own?

It's a controversial thing. For one thing, I'd like to name it 
link_inplace.cpp, but it might feel strange to some people to #include a .cpp 
file. On the other hand, including code by including a .hpp file and only 
being allowed to do that once is also strange.

I'm also thinking about naming it compile_inplace.cpp/hpp, I'm not yet sure 
how to name this technique.

Now, as far as including it in your project goes, I'd say go ahead. I guess 
naming it .cpp would make that easier though... point is noted.

However: if you create a dedicated file that only includes it that would be 
even better. The reason is that this file doesn't have to be adapted if you 
switch to a new Boost version, all you need to do is switch the include path 
you give your compiler.

Uli