[boost] How to review futures?

From: John Phillips (phillips_at_[hidden])
Date: 2008-05-09 16:05:59

   I'm looking to see if there are any good ideas for how to review the 
two futures libraries that are both currently in the queue. Since they 
are two different approaches to the same problem domain, isolated 
sequential reviews does not seem to be a good idea.

   So far, the best thought I've had on the subject is to run a single 
review that includes both libraries, where it is explicitly part of the 
review to discuss which parts of which realizations are the best choice. 
This process will need to keep the proposals before the committee in 
mind, but it is a way to compare and contrast the strengths of the two 
in close proximity. If we do this, there are a couple of questions that 
should be added to the usual review process.

* Which interface choices are best suited to the problem domain?
* Should Boost offer competing implementations of this feature?
* Should the libraries be melded together?
* Should a subset of the approved library be restricted to only the 
facilities and interface in the standardization committee proposal?

   There are my initial thoughts. I would like to hear from others on 
this, as well. I especially would like to hear from the authors and from 
anyone who has been involved in the evolving standards proposal. Thanks 
for your ideas.

                        John Phillips
                        Review Wizard