Re: [boost] [GTL] - geometric template library - determininginterest

From: Joel de Guzman (joel_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-10-07 18:15:20

Simonson, Lucanus J wrote:
> Marco wrote:
>> For what I can understand you have one class 'b' in B library that you
>> want to use with alghoritms of _both_ A and B library the pattern is:
>>
>> 1 - get the class 'a' subclassing 'b';     class a : b
>> 2 - add to 'a' interfaces to deal with algorithms of library A
>> 3 - implement that interfaces using methods of 'b' and/or functions of
>> library B acting on 'b'
>> 4 - use 'a' with library A using the above interface
>> 5 - use 'a' with library B because base class of 'a' is a 'b'
>> Is this interpretation correct ?
> 
> Yes, though I would add that the intention is to use it with classes b1
> through bN of libraries B1 through BN so that the effort of making the
> library generic is worthwhile.  Class a inherits from each of the
> classes b1 through bN through its template parameter.  In this way it is
> as useful as making class a the common base class of b1 through bN, but
> is not intrusive and leaves the code of libraries B1 through BN
> untouched.  This inheriting one class from many allows us to unify the
> disparate semantics of many different types that are conceptually
> similar.  I have found it very useful in my day to day work since I end
> up being the person integrating my library into existing code bases in
> addition to authoring it.

It is possible to do this without inheritance.

Regards,
-- 
Joel de Guzman
http://www.boost-consulting.com
http://spirit.sf.net