Re: [boost] [1.36.0] Libraries with unmerged changes?

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2008-07-16 14:02:17

on Tue Jul 15 2008, "Robert Ramey" <ramey-AT-rrsd.com> wrote:

> I, Robert Ramey, hereby declare:
>
> a) the serialization library to be "frozen".
> b) the documented interface and symantics will only be extended - not 
> changed
> without notice.
> c) should any program which depends upon the published interface and 
> semantics
> fail to work or stop working - I will acknowledge that this is a BUG
> and endeavor to fix it.
> d) Going further (specific to the serialization library) - the intent of the 
> serialization library
>  is that newer version be able to load files saved by all previous versions.
> Any case where this fails will be acknowledged as a BUG.
>
> I would ask that library authors that cannot make a similar pledge include
> a disclaimer in thier documentation and header files something on the order
> of:
>
> "I (the author) expect to make future changes in this library.
> These changes may have the effect that in the future you're program
> will fail to compile, link, and/or execute as expected.  Since I don't
> know who might use this library, it is impractical for me to
> notify you - Sorry about that - Good Luck."
>
> That would permit me as a user to take appropriate precautions.

I'm sure everyone would make the same pledge as you, as long as it has
the same back door clause allowing semantic changes "with notice." ;-)

At least that's how I read your pledge.  If you mean something else you
should try to clarify it.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
BoostPro Computing
http://www.boostpro.com