Re: [boost] [rfc] Gui library

From: Felipe Magno de Almeida (felipe.m.almeida_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-10-21 10:16:53

On 10/21/07, Jurko Gospodnetic' <jurko.gospodnetic_at_[hidden]> wrote:
>    Hi Felipe.

Hi Jurko,

> > I'm already working on a GUI library for some time (three weeks). And
> > come up with some designs and code.
>
>    We use wxWidgets for a portable GUI framework and it works fine for
> us. Good points are:

I'm well aware of wxWidgets.

[snip]

>    I do not mean to infer that no one should explore implementing the
> 'ultimate GUI library' but from my viewpoint it seems more reasonable to
> hook up to this project and mold it into something better if something
> does not suit you.

Not to be too hard on wxWidgets, but wxWidgets isn't even near what I
expect from a C++ GUI library.

> The whole GUI support has so many niches and platform
> specific implementation details in it that I do not believe one can make
> it ideal but only 'good enough' and strive to constantly improve it.

I agree with you here.

> And an existing library such as wxWidgets already has a giant lead in the
> right direction.

But I disagree with this.

>    Starting a boost.GUI library just for the sake of 'implementing the
> whole world as a part of boost' does not seem like a good way to go. One
> possibly good way I see to go about this would be to merge with an
> external library such as wxWidgets,

To get anything near of what I want, it would be needed to rewrite
wxWidget from scratch, so I don't see much difference in approach.

> the same as was done for the
> (excellent!) asio library, with great benefits for both sides.

Asio was at boost quality expectations, and that's why after review it
was accepted. I believe those are two completely issues.

> Boost would get GUI support and the GUI library would get the benefits of
> existing excellent boost libraries and not have to reimplement them

Why doesn't wxWidgets use boost? It doesn't have to be included in
boost to use it. boost.asio used boost even before it was added
(boost.bind) IIRC.

> (thus removing the need for double maintenance efforts). Also, users
> would find it easier to learn/access both of the libraries.

I can't see how. IMO, there would probably be more discussion than
development, because of the two different views at C++ development
from wxWidgets developers and boost developers.

>    Just my 2 cents worth...
>
>    Best regards,
>      Jurko Gospodnetic'

Thanks,
-- 
Felipe Magno de Almeida